2 secrets behind Rafiu Durosinmi’s red-hot form at Genk ahead of Super Eagles return

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi has revealed two key factors behind his impressive goalscoring form at KRC Genk.

The Nigeria international believes that his growing understanding of teammates Junya Ito and Daan Heymans is helping him make an immediate impact in Belgium.

Durosinmi joined Genk from Italian club Pisa in the summer and has wasted little time establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards in Europe.

Durosinmi has already scored six goals in the Belgian league, placing him at the top of the division’s scoring chart. He added another goal at the weekend as Genk secured a 2-0 away victory over Virton to qualify for the round of 16 of the Croky Cup. The goal took his tally to seven across competitions.

Why Rafiu Durosinmi is thriving at Genk

1. Chemistry with Ito and Heymans

One of the secrets behind Durosinmi’s scoring form is the growing understanding he shares with Ito and Heymans.

The Nigerian striker explained how the pair combined to create the opportunity for his goal against Virton, with Heymans initiating the attack before Ito supplied the decisive pass.

“We click,” Durosinmi said, as quoted by Het Belang van Limburg per Voetbalprimeur.

The 23-year-old also credited Genk’s training-ground work for helping the team reproduce those attacking movements during matches.

“What we practise in training, we bring to the matches,” he explained.

That connection could be key to Durosinmi’s continued brilliance at Genk as the club targets honours on multiple fronts.

2. Confidence and composure in front of goal

Durosinmi’s finishing ability is another important part of his strong start.

Against Virton, the striker admitted he hesitated briefly before spotting an opening between the goalkeeper’s legs and deciding to shoot.

“I hesitated for a moment, but I saw there was space between the keeper’s legs and took the risk. A good goal,” he said.

Strong movement and excellent finishing were crucial parts of Durosinmi’s game as he made his breakthrough in the Czech Republic. However, he struggled to show much of these qualities during his difficult six-month spell at Pisa.

The good times are back for Durosinmi in Belgium and as he works to follow in the footsteps of Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare who excelled at the club.

Even more importantly, Durosinmi will hope his strong form at club will attract the attention of the national team handlers.

The former Viktoria Plzen made his Super Eagles debut during the Unity Cup adventure in London earlier in the year.

However, he was overlooked by coach Eric Chelle for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. Still, Durosinmi will hope his goalscoring exploits for Genk will boost his chances of a Super Eagles recall ahead of the November fixtures against Tanzania.