'Country that has many top strikers' - Genk coach reacts to Arokodare's maiden Super Eagles call-up

Racing Genk manager Thorsten Fink faced the media on Friday, on the eve of his side's Jupiler Pro League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise, and one of the topics he touched on was Tolu Arokodare's maiden invitation to Nigeria's senior national team, the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches with Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria's new boss Eric Chelle made a bold decision by selecting Arokodare ahead of former Genk strikers Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers, both of whom were included in the 39-man provisional squad.

Arokodare has been included in the Super Eagles squad for the first time, thanks to his outstanding performances for Genk this term.

The former Golden Eaglets forward is the leading marksman in the Belgian top-flight with sixteen goals from twenty-nine appearances and has registered two goals in the Croky Cup, taking his total for the season to 18 across all competitions.

In the battle for a starting role in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Arokodare is competing with three elite forwards, Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, both ranked among the world's best.

Fink highlighted that Arokodare's maiden Nigeria call-up reflects his outstanding form, especially given the Super Eagles' depth in attacking talent.

In quotes relayed by the online edition of Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg (subscription required), Fink remarked: "It is a country that has a choice of many top strikers.

"It means that Tolu is playing at a very high level. He is working harder than ever, his data proves that. 

“Hopefully it will also give him a boost towards the final sprint in the competition. Sixteen goals is already very good, but of course more have to come."

Fink concluded by saying that he expects the market value of Arokodare to increase following his invitation to the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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