KRC Genk’s reputation for helping strikers reach the next level was already enough to catch Rafiu Durosinmi’s attention, but the Super Eagles forward says it was Paul Onuachu’s recommendation that removed any hesitation before he completed the transfer, Footynaija.com reports.
Genk confirmed the signing of the 23-year-old on Thursday, with the Nigerian putting pen to paper on a four-year contract after completing his move from Italian side Pisa. It is a fresh chapter for a striker whose career has already taken him from Nigeria to the Czech Republic, Italy and now Belgium.
The move also brings Durosinmi to a club that has become a familiar destination for Nigerian forwards. Onuachu established himself as one of Genk’s greatest goalscorers before earning a move to Southampton, while Tolu Arokodare followed a similar path and developed into one of the most feared strikers in the Belgian Pro League. That track record has strengthened Genk’s reputation as a place where centre-forwards can flourish.
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According to Genk’s official website, Onuachu’s advice proved influential when Durosinmi weighed up the transfer.
“I spoke with Paul about the club. He told me so many great things about Genk, the supporters and the way the club works with its players. I’m proud to be a Genkie,” the Super Eagles striker said.
Although Durosinmi spent only a short spell at Pisa, it was his performances for Viktoria Plzeň that attracted attention across Europe. The powerful striker scored 35 goals and provided 10 assists in 86 appearances for the Czech side, performances that convinced Genk to make him their record signing after tracking him for an extended period.
Per the report, Head of Football Dimitri de Condé believes the Nigerian is exactly the type of striker Genk were searching for, describing him as a traditional number nine who can occupy defenders, link play and make an immediate impact in attack.
For Durosinmi, the challenge now is to follow the path already carved out by Onuachu. If he can reproduce the form that made him one of the Czech league’s standout forwards, Genk may once again have another Nigerian striker leading the line with distinction.
