Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika has missed out on the Ebony Boot award, given to the best African player in Belgium’s Pro League, as Morocco’s Zakaria El Ouahdi of KRC Genk claimed the honor. The decision ended Onyedika’s hopes of securing the prestigious prize, which last year went to fellow Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare.
Onyedika’s disappointment comes at a time when his future at Club Brugge is under scrutiny. After five years in Belgium, the midfielder is attracting interest from clubs abroad, including Galatasaray in Turkey and VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, raising speculation about a possible summer move.
The award loss has sparked debate among Nigerian fans, many of whom felt Onyedika’s consistency deserved recognition. Supporters expressed frustration on social media, while others acknowledged El Ouahdi’s strong season and praised the competitiveness of African talent in Europe’s smaller leagues.
Meanwhile in England, Taiwo Awoniyi delivered a standout performance for Nottingham Forest in their 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Nigerian striker marked his 100th appearance for the club with two goals and won the penalty converted by Igor Jesus, earning widespread praise from manager Vitor Pereira.
“He brings everything. Taiwo Awoniyi is a danger player,” Pereira said after the match, highlighting the forward’s ability to unsettle defenses. Awoniyi’s brace lifted Forest’s morale ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa, where his presence is expected to be crucial despite not being registered for the competition.
Awoniyi’s display drew admiration from fans and pundits alike, with many celebrating his resilience after injuries earlier in the season. His tally now stands at four goals and one assist in 14 league matches, a return that supporters believe could grow as Forest fight for survival and European glory.
Public reaction in Nigeria was swift, with fans contrasting Onyedika’s setback in Belgium with Awoniyi’s triumph in England. Some argued that while Onyedika’s omission from the Ebony Boot spotlighted the challenges of recognition in smaller leagues, Awoniyi’s heroics against Chelsea showcased Nigerian talent on the biggest stage.
Together, the contrasting fortunes of Onyedika and Awoniyi underline the diverse paths Nigerian footballers are carving across Europe. For Onyedika, the summer may bring a new chapter, while for Awoniyi, his brace against Chelsea has reinforced his reputation as one of Forest’s most influential players.
