Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has revealed that he felt some pressure after joining Belgian side Genk from Ligue 2 club Amiens two seasons ago, Soccernet.ng reports.
Arokodare joined former Belgian champions Genk from the Ligue 2 in January 2023 for €5 million. The 23-year-old was brought in after compatriot Paul Onuachu left for Southampton in one of the club’s most expensive sales.
Before Onuachu left Genk, he was the best player at the club, helping them to second place in the 2020/2021 season. He also received the Jupiler Pro League Player of the Year award as he was the highest goalscorer with 33 goals.
So after the big Nigerian star left, any striker that was signed as a replacement had a big job in his hands, and that was Arokodare’s situation.
The Genk has admitted that he initially did feel the pressure, but he eventually overcame it.
“I was going from Ligue 2 in France to Genk. I won’t lie, there was a little bit of pressure but not a lot,” Arokodare told Brila FM.
“Because going there, I knew I was brought to fill in the boots of Paul Onuachu, who did a fantastic job over there.
“People just expect a lot because you’re in the Belgian League and you’re a young talent. They expect you to be spectacular and have one or two wonderful seasons and go to the Premier League or Laliga.
“So there was that pressure, but the club, the staff, and the team helped me settle down. And its been an amazing experience so far.
Arokodare has settled in nicely at Genk. He struggled with injuries in his first season, but he has found his feet at the club. Last season, he registered twelve goals and two assists in 40 appearances. He would hope that he can increase his goal returns next season.
