Super Eagles forward Rafiu Durosinmi has explained why his dream move to Italian football quickly turned into a tough period of his career, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old Nigerian striker arrived in Italy with huge expectations after Pisa completed an €11 million deal to sign him from Czech champions Viktoria Plzeň on January 14, 2026. The transfer included an initial €9 million fee and €2 million in performance-related bonuses, making Durosinmi the most expensive signing in Pisa's history. The fee comfortably surpassed the club's previous transfer record of €6.7 million, set when Henrik Larsen joined during the 1990-91 season.
Pisa handed the towering 1.92-meter striker a contract until June 2030, hoping he would become the focal point of their attack as they battled to stay in Serie A.
His career in Italy could hardly have started better. Only days after arriving, Durosinmi came off the bench in the 68th minute against Atalanta and announced himself in spectacular fashion. Rising above the defenders in the 87th minute, he powered home a header to rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw, giving Pisa fans hope that they had found the striker who could keep them in the top flight.
However, that goal proved to be his only Serie A strike. Over the following months, Pisa struggled near the bottom of the table, eventually finishing last and suffering relegation to Serie B. Durosinmi ended his spell with one goal and one assist in 12 league appearances, or 14 appearances across all competitions, before the club decided to sell him.
On July 23, he completed a €10.5 million move to Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk on a four-year contract, bringing his difficult six-month stay in Italy to an early end.
Super Eagles' Durosinmi reveals reasons for Italian struggle
Looking back on his time in Italy, Durosinmi believes everything changed after Pisa replaced the coach who had insisted on signing him.
“Nevertheless, I got off to the perfect start at Pisa,” the Super Eagles forward told HBVL. “I scored on my debut against Atalanta, but two weeks later the coach, who had insisted on my arrival, was sacked. His successor took me off at half-time in his very first match, and a week later I started on the bench. I didn't click with him; I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin.”
The situation became even more difficult after he received a red card against Cagliari following an incident involving experienced Colombian defender Yerry Mina.
“I got caught out by the experienced Yerry Mina; a stupid reaction kept me sidelined for two weeks. I learned from that too.”
Durosinmi admitted that Serie A's defensive style also made life difficult for an attacking player trying to settle into a struggling team fighting relegation.
“For me, Serie A was disappointing; everything revolves around fighting out duels and defending. The change of manager added to that, but it remains an experience that has made me stronger.”
Despite the disappointment, the Nigerian remains thankful for the opportunity and believes the experience has strengthened him.
“I am very religious and am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to become a professional footballer. I therefore want to do everything I can to thank Him for that. I realize every day that I am a lucky man. In Lagos, there were many boys walking around who had even more talent than me, but didn't get this chance.”
His move to Genk comes after an important breakthrough with Nigeria. Since receiving his first Super Eagles call-up from head coach Éric Chelle for the 2026 Unity Cup in London, Durosinmi has earned three senior caps.
He made his debut in a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe, started the 3-0 victory against Jamaica, and featured in the 2-2 draw with Poland. He is, however, still searching for his first international goal.
