The organisers of the Ebony Shoe, awarded annually to the best African player or player of African descent in the Belgian Pro League, have unveiled the five nominees for this year’s prize, with two players of Nigerian heritage included on the shortlist, according to Sporza. 

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika and former Nigeria U23 international forward Promise David, who is now cap-tied to Canada, are in the running for the prestigious accolade.

Zakaria El Ouahdi (Racing Genk), Parfait Guiagon (Charleroi) and Adem Zorgane (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise) have also been shortlisted for the prestigious accolade, which was won by Tolu Arokodare in 2025. 

While Onyedika has appeared in 25 Jupiler Pro League matches this season, David netted fifteen goals from 37 games across all competitions before suffering a hip injury in February 2026.

Onyedika and David also impressed in the UEFA Champions League, where they scored two goals each before the elimination of Club Brugge and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Club Brugge and Union SG stars will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro and Paul Onuachu, who have all won the award in the past. 

The 35th edition of the Ebbenhouten schoen will be presented on Monday, May 4 at the Hotel Tangla in Brussels.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel