Racing Genk’s 2024/25 campaign promised so much but has ended in heartache, and no one feels the sting more than Nigeria’s rising striker, Tolu Arokodare. The 24-year-old has been one of the shining lights in a turbulent season, netting 22 goals and contributing seven assists under manager Thorsten Fink. Yet, despite his heroics, Genk’s title challenge has faltered at the final hurdle.

Genk led the Belgian Pro League for most of the regular season, only to unravel in the Championship Play-Offs. A run of five winless games has left the Smurfs six points behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise and five adrift of Club Brugge with just three games remaining.

“It’s painful,” Arokodare admitted in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws. “We had a great season, and then suddenly it’s one-goal losses, penalties, red cards… It hurts.”

Still, the Super Eagles forward remains fiercely proud of his team:
“Every player has played a fantastic season. The coach has been brilliant. The fans? Amazing. People don’t see how much we’ve grown.”

With a key fixture against Club Brugge looming, Genk have one last shot at redemption — and a potential leap into second place. Arokodare is not giving up just yet.

“You beat them, and anything’s possible. It’s not over,” he declared. “We’ve lost to them more often, but I still believe Genk are the best team in Belgium. We have the best goalkeeper, the best defence, the best provider, and — without bragging — I’m the league’s top scorer. That says enough.”

Despite the disappointment, Arokodare’s stock has soared. Having made his Super Eagles debut in March, he’s now linked with a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich — potentially as backup to Harry Kane.

“I’ve heard the rumours,” he smiled. “Being a stand-in for Kane? That would be nice. It’s just talk now — I haven’t had contact — but if the train comes, I have to be ready.”

His previous stint in Germany with FC Cologne didn’t go to plan — he failed to score — but Arokodare is a different player now. Matured, motivated, and hungry for the next challenge.

As the season winds down, Tolu Arokodare is already looking forward. With talent, self-belief, and unfinished business, the Nigerian forward’s journey may just be getting started.