Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare is making headlines in the Jupiler Pro League after leading his team Genk to a convincing 2-0 win over AA Gent, silencing his critics.
This decisive victory was all Genk needed to reinforce their status as league leaders once more and also seal Arokodare's position as the top scorer.
After enduring scrutiny early in the season, the striker's recent performance has sparked renewed interest, particularly from one of his top critics, Wesley Sonck.
Arokodare’s impactful display on the field, which featured a stunning goal and a crucial penalty, has transformed the narrative surrounding his abilities.
Initially, Sonck was vocal about Arokodare's struggles; however, he now acknowledges the Nigerian forward's significant improvement.
Tolu Arokodare's response to critic's praise
In a conversation with Belgian media outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Arokodare expressed his appreciation for Sonck's evolving perspective, emphasising his commitment to develop his game the more.
The 23-year-old acknowledged that receiving validation from a club legend is a major confidence booster for him.
“At first, he wasn't happy with my performance, but I really appreciate it. He noticed that I'm doing better now. That a legend of the club says something like that gives me a boost. Next week, I want to do even better,” he said.
While looking ahead to their upcoming clash with Antwerp, the Super Eagles prospect recognised the importance of the match, recalling Genk’s recent title encounter against the same opponents.
“Antwerp remains special to us, but as always, we will rely on our own strength. I also believe that I have a decent balance against them,” he added.
His recent form has been impressive, with Arokodare recording nine goal contributions in just 12 league matches, including eight goals and one assist.