“We can always do better” – Arokodare reflects on life at Genk, slams critics and racists

Nigeria and KRC Genk striker, Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, has reflected on his journey and growth as a player and as an individual, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old striker joined the Belgian side from Amiens SC in the winter transfer window of 2023, and struggled to be efficient in front of goal. In his first 18 months at the club, Arokodare scored 17 goals in 63 games and was constantly bashed. He was also racially abused at some point after he missed a spot kick.

This season, the 197cm tall forward has shut his critics up, scoring 14 goals and providing 4 assists in 23 games for his club side, and is now coveted by several European clubs.

Reflecting on the positive turn-around of his career in Belgium, the Super Eagles hopeful revealed how the criticism from the fans and media made him feel hurt.

“The first half of the year was not so bad. It was not until last season that it changed. I heard the boos roll through the stadium at every wrong pass or when I was substituted again. It’s something to hear from your own supporters: it hurts.

“How can you still perform? Last summer I received messages that left little to the imagination: ‘Go away, we should not be in our club!’ Then you can only respond in one way: be a big man. It's not easy, though. Not only football, but society also suffers from a lack of humanity. There is a lot of goodness, of course. When I received racist messages or fainted on the field, which happened twice, I was overloaded with statements of support, but we can always do better: we all owe each other love and respect,” the former FC Koln striker said in an interview with HUMO.

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Reflecting on his growth, the lanky striker revealed he's learned not to let his emotions get the better of him. Now, he prefers to keep a low profile on the football pitch and in the dressing room.

“I don’t want to judge anyone, but I’ve been told I’m not aggressive enough. By people in the club, fans, and journalists. I apologize if I hurt an opponent. I still do, but because I score, no one complains about it. Last season I was also the top scorer of Genk.  Anyone who thinks I am a good boy should listen to some defenders.

“In everyday life I am different: I can get out of the corner aggressively. We Africans, or at least Nigerians, are very direct in our way of talking and making jokes. Our voices are loud, our jokes are raw. Wherever I am, you will always have heard me, but not in the dressing room: I am different. I don’t have to worry, I keep quiet and I try to focus. I won’t say much on the field either. Otherwise, my emotions take the upper hand,” the Super Eagles hopeful added.

Arokodare has had a hand in 43% of Genk's League goals this season, and has heralded them to the top of the Belgian Pro League, even though they're just a point above Raphael Onyedika's Club Brugge.