Eagles striker makes Ebony Shoe shortlist

Standard Liege forward Imoh Ezekiel has been nominated for the Ebony Shoe which is given to the best footballer of African descent plying his trade in  the Belgian championship.


To scoop the top prize, the one - cap Nigeria international will compete with two of his teammates - Michy Batshuayi of Congo/ Belgium and Paul Jose Mpoku of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The remaining nominees are Tunisia international Hamdi Harbaoui ( Lokeren) and Belgium international Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe (Club Brugge).

The name of the player to replace Zulte Waregem  striker Mbaye Leye, who won the award last year, will be announced at a gala ceremony in Brussels on Monday, May 5.

Super Eagles assistant manager Daniel Amokachi won the award in 1992 and 1994 while he finished 3rd in 1993.

Retired Nigeria international Chidi Nwanu while defending the colors of Beveren was the second most outstanding African in Belgium in 1993.

The jurors are made up of sports journalists, coaches of clubs in Belgium and manager of the National Team.

Previous Nigerian Winners of the Ebony Shoe
1992 : Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria, FC Bruges)
1993 : Viktor Ikpeba (Nigeria, RFC Liége)
1994 : Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria, FC Bruges)
1995 : Godwin Okpara (Nigeria, Alost)
1996 : Celestine Babayaro (Nigeria, Anderlecht)