Diaspora Star | Tolu Arokodare : Festac-Born Forward Conquering Belgian Football

From the bustling streets of Festac Town in Lagos to the gleaming stadiums of Europe, Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, better known as Tolu, is proving that raw Nigerian talent, when nurtured with the right opportunities and determination, can thrive at the highest level. The 24-year-old footballer is currently making waves as a centre-forward for Belgian side KRC Genk and a newly capped member of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national team.

In 2025, Tolu earned continental acclaim when he was named winner of the Ebony Shoe, Belgium’s most prestigious football award for the best African player in the Pro League. His journey to this honour is a tale of resilience, grit, and a relentless belief in his ability.

Born on 23 November 2000, Tolu was raised in Festac Town, Lagos, a culturally rich and football-passionate neighbourhood. He began his football journey with Kash Academy, moving on to the International Sports Academy, Flying Sports Academy, and finally Box2Box FC, a grassroots club in Surulere that has become a launchpad for several emerging talents.

His raw height and athletic build were unusual for his age, but it was his eye for goal and agility that caught the attention of coaches. Early trial stints with SC Freiburg (Germany) and Toulouse FC (France) didn’t result in contracts, but the exposure to European football shaped his playing style and professional mindset.

In June 2021, Tolu joined Ligue 2 side Amiens on a two-year loan. Over two seasons, he scored 14 goals in 55 league appearances and added seven more in cup competitions, showing greater tactical awareness and composure in front of goal.His consistent improvement led to a permanent move in January 2023 to KRC Genk, one of Belgium’s top clubs known for developing elite talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Wilfred Ndidi. On his debut, Tolu came off the bench to score the winning goal against Gent in a thrilling 3–2 victory instantly winning over fans and pundits alike.

Tolu’s 2024–25 season was nothing short of remarkable. He scored 21 league goals, helping Genk lead the Pro League for most of the campaign. Though the club ultimately finished third after a late-season slump, his performances were consistent and explosive.

His efforts were rewarded with the 2025 Ebony Shoe, beating contenders like Zakaria El Ouahdi, Noah Sadiki, and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika. The award, previously won by Nigerian greats like Daniel Amokachi and Paul Onuachu, is a strong validation of his rising stature in European football.

Tolu’s club success caught the attention of Super Eagles selectors, and he earned his first senior cap for Nigeria in June 2025, in a friendly against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. He marked the occasion with a well-taken goal, ending the match in a 1–1 draw.

With Nigeria looking to rebuild and diversify its attacking options ahead of upcoming tournaments, Tolu’s profile a tall, powerful forward with speed, aerial dominance, and growing technical skill adds a new dimension to the national team

Despite his rapid rise, Tolu remains closely tied to his roots. Known for his humility and quiet discipline, he often speaks about the influence of his early days in Lagos and the coaches who believed in him when he was just another skinny kid on a dusty pitch.

He is also vocal about youth development in Nigeria, expressing interest in launching a foundation in the near future to support football academies in underdeveloped communities.

With scouts from Europe’s top five leagues reportedly monitoring his progress and Nigeria’s national team preparing for the next Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, the future looks bright for Tolu. Whether he continues breaking records in Belgium or moves to a bigger league, one thing is clear: Tolu Arokodare is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.