How Paul Onuachu influenced Rafiu Durosinmi’s decision to sign for Genk

Four-time Belgian champions Genk unveiled Rafiu Durosinmi as their record signing a few days ago, Afrik Foot reports.

The headlines naturally focused on the €10.5 million transfer fee that made the Nigerian striker the most expensive arrival in the Belgian club’s history.

Yet, behind the transfer was Genk’s growing reputation for building Nigerian talents into household names.

The 23-year-old has revealed that Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu played a decisive role in convincing him to move to Belgium.

How Onuachu influenced Rafiu Durosinmi’s Genk transfer

Before putting pen to paper on a four-year contract, Durosinmi sought advice from Onuachu, who remains one of the most successful strikers in Genk’s modern history.

“I talked to Paul [Onuachu] about the club,” Durosinmi told Genk’s official website.

“He told me a lot of beautiful things about Genk, the supporters and the way the club works with players. I am proud to be a Genki,” the former Pisa forward concluded.

TransferWatcher also revealed that Onuachu highlighted not only the atmosphere around the club but the way Genk develops its players.

Despite interest from elsewhere, Durosinmi chose Belgium because he believed it offered the best environment to rebuild.

Why Paul Onuachu’s opinion mattered

Not every player carries the influence to shape another footballer’s career decision, but Onuachu does because he represents Genk’s blueprint.

Signed from FC Midtjylland in 2019, the towering striker transformed into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers. He scored 85 goals in 134 appearances, won the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot, lifted the Ebony Shoe and eventually secured a lucrative move to the Premier League with Southampton.

For a Nigerian striker, there are few better examples of how Genk can accelerate a career. Durosinmi’s situation also mirrors Onuachu’s path in several ways.

Both are physically dominant centre-forwards, both arrived in Belgium with questions surrounding their careers, and both viewed Genk as a platform rather than a final destination.

Genk’s Nigerian pipeline continues

Onuachu’s influence also reflects a wider trend. Genk have become one of the most trusted destinations for Nigerian footballers in Europe.

Following Onuachu’s departure, the club signed Tolu Arokodare, who initially struggled before exploding into life.

The Super Eagles striker won the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot and eventually secured a club-record move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Yira Sor also developed into an important first-team player after arriving from Slavia Prague, while youngster Christian Akpan continues his progression within the club.

Durosinmi now becomes the latest Nigerian entrusted with leading Genk’s attack. The expectation is not simply that he scores goals, but that he follows the pathway his compatriots have already established.

For Genk, Onuachu’s influence is another example of how former players continue to strengthen the club’s reputation long after leaving, and if Durosinmi succeeds in Belgium before eventually earning another big move, Onuachu’s recommendation may prove to have been one of the best assists of his career, but one that happened outside of the pitch.