Onyekuru Emerges as 2017 Most Promising Player in Belgium

Nigerian football sensation, Henry Onyekuru, has been crowned the Most Promising Player of the Year at the prestigious 2017 Soulier d’Or awards in Belgium. The Soulier d’Or, also known as the Belgian Golden Shoe, is an esteemed accolade presented annually to the finest footballer in the Belgian First Division for the previous year. The award, sponsored by the renowned Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, recognizes Onyekuru’s exceptional talent and potential.

Despite currently recovering from a knee injury he sustained in December, Onyekuru triumphed over his competitors, Mechelen’s Hassan Bandé and Landry Dimata, to secure the coveted title. The former Aspire Academy player garnered an impressive total of 219 votes, while Bandé and Dimata earned 162 and 128 votes, respectively.

The 20-year-old Nigerian international has made a lasting impact in Belgian football. Prior to his recent injury, Onyekuru impressed as a key player for KAS Eupen in the Belgian top flight. His remarkable performance led to his signing by Everton, followed by a loan to Anderlecht last summer. During his time at Eupen, Onyekuru netted an impressive tally of 22 goals last season. He continued to shine at Anderlecht, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances until his unfortunate setback.

In recognition of his achievement, Anderlecht conveyed their congratulations to Onyekuru via their official Twitter account, stating, “Congratulations @henryconyekuru on winning the Promising Player of the Year award!”

Additionally, three other Nigerian players, Uche Agbo (Standard Liege), Samuel Kalu (Gent), and Taiwo Awoniyi (Royal Excel Mouscron), were also shortlisted for the Most Promising Player of the Year award at the 2017 Soulier d’Or ceremony. Agbo secured the 13th position with 25 votes, while Kalu and Awoniyi claimed the 17th and 23rd spots, respectively, with 17 and three votes.

Onyekuru’s recognition as the Most Promising Player of the Year further solidifies his status as a rising star in the world of football. Despite his injury setback, the young forward’s exceptional talent and dedication have undoubtedly earned him a place among the brightest prospects in the sport. Football enthusiasts eagerly await his return to the pitch, where he will undoubtedly continue to impress with his skills and goal-scoring prowess.