Super Eagles-eligible forward tops Jupiler Pro League scorers chart for the first time since Paul Onuachu’s exit

Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare has surged to the top of the Jupiler Pro League’s scoring charts for the first time since the exit of his countryman, Paul Onuachu, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Onuachu transferred from KRC Genk to Southampton during the January transfer window. With 16 goals scored while in the 2022–23 Jupiler Pro League season campaign, Onuachu led the league’s top scorers’ chart.

Arokodare was signed by the Smurfs as a replacement for the towering Nigerian striker, but has failed to deliver in his first season with KRC Genk.

His recent strike in Genk’s 2-2 draw against St.Truiden marks a significant 10th goal of the season and his first double-digit since he joined the Jupiler Pro League club.

Arokodare’s clinical finish in the 27th minute, which was initially ruled offside but confirmed by VAR, helped him reach double digits for the season, which placed him level at the top of the league’s scoring table with RSC Anderlecht forward Kasper Dolberg and St. Truiden’s Adriano Bertaccini.

This marks the first time since the departure of Onuachu—Genk’s former talisman—that the Belgian club has had a Nigerian player atop the league’s goal-scoring rankings. Arokodare’s continued form now places him among the most dangerous forwards in the competition.

The 24-year-old has been in red-hot form, netting four goals and providing three assists in his last six matches, and has been a key figure in Genk’s push for the title, helping them stay top of the standings with 35 points from 16 matches.

Arokodare’s performances have also put him on the radar for a potential call-up to the Nigerian national team, as his consistency in front of goal is beginning to catch the eye of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical department.

Genk, who are four points ahead of their closest rivals, Club Brugge, will hope Arokodare’s goalscoring form continues as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of the table.