Nigeria forward, Tolu Arokodare is looking forward to making his 100th appearance for Belgian Pro League side, KRC Genk, as they face Anderlecht in a crucial Championship Round tie at the Lotto Park, Brussels on Sunday night, April 6, 2025. Arokodare, who has been a standout performer this season, will lead Genk’s attack in what promises to be an exciting match.
At just 24 years old, Arokodare joined Genk from French outfit, Amiens SC in the winter transfer window of the 2022/2023 season. Since then, he has established himself as a key figure in Thorsten Fink’s title-chasing side, overcoming a challenging start to his career in Belgium. In his 99 appearances for the Smurfs, he has scored 37 goals and provided 12 assists, a testament to his growing influence on the pitch.
As he prepares to reach this milestone, Arokodare reflected on his journey at Genk, expressing a mix of excitement and gratitude. “Who would have thought? When I signed here, I had hoped to reach 100. It wasn’t always easy, either. There was an opportunity for departure this season, but I am very happy that I stayed and can play under this coach. He has made me much better,” he stated in an interview with HLN.
The match against Anderlecht is particularly significant for Arokodare, as he nearly joined the Brussels club from Amiens 27 months ago. Now, he has the chance to celebrate his century of games against them, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
This season, Arokodare has been in blistering form, netting 20 goals and providing five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performances have coincided with Genk’s strong showing in the Championship Round, where they currently sit atop the table with 37 points, four clear of second-placed Club Brugge. Last weekend, Genk secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over KAA Gent, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
“We don’t focus on the past, but on our football. It is a big match for both clubs. It is the playoffs. These are the games you want to play,” Arokodare said, underscoring the importance of the upcoming clash. He emphasized the need for the team to maintain their momentum and approach the match with the right mindset.
“We are a resilient team, you saw that last week against Gent. We want to beat Anderlecht with the same mentality as the whole season. There is certainly no underestimation. We don’t underestimate or overestimate anyone. We start from our own strength and pretend it is war,” he added, highlighting the unity and determination within the squad.
On the other hand, Anderlecht, currently sitting fourth in the Championship Round table with 26 points, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Club Brugge in their playoff opener. The team failed to register a single shot on target in that match, and they will be keen to make a statement against the league leaders.
The encounter at Lotto Park presents a challenging test for both sides. With Arokodare’s confidence boosted by his recent call-up to the Super Eagles, he is eager to make his mark in this pivotal match. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory as they aim for the championship title.
As the match approaches, the anticipation builds. Fans are eager to see if Arokodare can add to his impressive goal tally and help Genk maintain their position at the top of the table. With the playoffs in full swing, every game counts, and the pressure is on for both teams to deliver their best performances.
In conclusion, Tolu Arokodare’s 100th appearance for KRC Genk is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for the team as they face a formidable opponent in Anderlecht. With both sides vying for supremacy in the Championship Round, this match promises to be a thrilling contest filled with intensity and excitement.
