Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi made the kind of start that will have pleased Genk, even if the result did not go their way, as the Nigerian scored on his competitive debut before Zulte Waregem fought back to win 2-1 in the opening game of the Belgian Pro League season, Footynaija.com reports.
Durosinmi arrived at Genk with plenty to prove after his difficult spell in Italy with Pisa, where he struggled for consistency as the club eventually suffered relegation to Serie B.
Genk placed serious faith in the Nigerian. The Belgian club reportedly paid €10.5 million to sign him from Pisa on a four-year contract, making him their record signing. They were looking for a long-term attacking solution after the departure of fellow Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, who left for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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That meant Durosinmi entered his first competitive game carrying more than the usual expectations attached to a new signing. He had to show that Genk’s decision to make such a significant investment in him was justified, and he wasted little time giving the club something to build on.
Super Eagles star Durosinmi makes instant impression
The former Viktoria Plzeň forward started against Zulte Waregem and opened the scoring in the 39th minute, rising to meet Junya Ito’s left-footed cross and heading the ball into the net.
It was a straightforward finish in execution, but one that highlighted an important part of Durosinmi’s game. Standing at around 1.92 metres, the Nigerian can offer a strong aerial presence and give his team another route into the box. His ability to attack crosses was exactly what came to the fore for Genk’s opening goal.
Genk looked on course to take all three points after taking the lead, but Zulte Waregem changed the story late in the game. Marley Aké equalised in the 82nd minute before Serxho Ujka completed the comeback four minutes later.
So Durosinmi’s first goal could not bring Genk victory. His individual performance still stood out, though, with the Nigerian receiving the Jupiler Man of the Match award after the game.
Speaking after the defeat, Genk coach Jess Thorup pointed to the qualities that had attracted the club to Durosinmi in the first place. The Danish coach praised Ito’s delivery but made it clear that the finish also showed why Genk had identified the Nigerian as the striker they wanted.
“Ito’s left-footed cross was also top-notch. But there you could see the qualities on which Durosinmi was scouted and signed,” Thorup said, in quotes reported by Voetbalnieuws.
