Tolu Arokodare is on the brink of making his 100th appearance for KRC Genk as the Belgian side prepares to face Anderlecht in Sunday evening’s league playoff clash at Lotto Park.
The Nigerian forward, who currently sits on 99 games for the club, is set to mark the occasion in a crucial fixture that could have major implications for Genk’s title ambitions.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arokodare reflected on the personal significance of reaching such a landmark.
“Who would have thought it? When I signed here, I hoped to reach the 100 mark. It hasn’t always been easy,” he said in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN).
Since arriving at Genk in January 2023 from French outfit Amiens SC, Arokodare has become a key figure in the squad.
His contribution over 99 matches includes 37 goals and 12 assists across all competitions—a testament to his consistency and importance to the team’s attacking setup.
Arokodare admitted that his journey in Belgium has come with its challenges.
The striker revealed that there had been chances to leave the club this season, but ultimately chose to stay.
His decision, he says, has been justified by the progress he has made under the club’s current management.
“There were opportunities to leave this season,” he noted. “But I am delighted to have stayed and played under the current management, who I believe have helped me improve.”
Thorsten Fink, who took over the reins at Genk earlier in the season, has made Arokodare a central part of his attacking strategy.
The player’s growth under the German coach has been noticeable, not just in numbers, but also in his overall presence and maturity on the pitch.
As Genk head into a high-stakes encounter against Anderlecht, the spotlight will be on Arokodare—not only for his looming milestone but also for the role he could play in securing a vital win for his side.
The match provides an opportunity for the 23-year-old to cap his 100th game with a performance to remember.
For Arokodare, the journey from a hopeful signing to a mainstay in the Genk lineup has been a rewarding one—fueled by determination, resilience, and the desire to continually grow.
