Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive form for KRC Genk, scoring yet again in their 1-1 draw against Cercle Brugge in the Belgian First Division A Championship Round on Saturday.
The towering forward, who missed a few weeks earlier this season due to injury, has been in great form for Genk of recent.
He notched a commendable eight goals and three assists in the regular season, establishing himself as one of the most potent attacking threats in Belgium with his imposing frame and eye for goal.
Against Cercle Brugge, Arokodare wasted no time making his mark on the match early in the game.
Tea time for Genk as Tolu scores second goal in three games
In the 18th minute, Arokodare rose highest to head home, finishing off a beautiful cross from DR Congo winger Joris Kayembe to put Genk ahead.
Buoyed by their away victory at Antwerp the previous match, the home side looked set to secure another valuable three points.
However the tide began to turn against them in the 75th minute when Cercle Brugge's Boris Popovic received a red card, reducing them to ten men.
With a one-man advantage, Genk had a golden opportunity to extend their lead and solidify their grip on the match.
However, they were unable to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Instead, Cercle Brugge clawed their way back into the game when Belgian youth international Kazeem Olaigbe, who is of Nigerian heritage, found the equalizer for the visitors, dampening Genk's spirits.
Despite Genk’s late surge in search of the win, Cercle Brugge held on for a share of the spoils.
Can Tolu Arokodare break into the Super Eagles?
The goal marked Arokodare's second in the Championship Round, having also netted on match-day 1 against Union Saint Gilliose.
While he has represented Nigeria at the U17 level, the 23-year-old is yet to receive a call-up to the senior national team.
His consistent performances this season, however, could put him on the radar of the Super Eagles as the World Cup qualifiers beckon in June.
Genk secured their spot in the play-offs after finishing the regular season in sixth place with 47 points from 30 games.
With two games played in the six-team Championship Round, they currently sit in third position, behind Union Saint Gilliose and Anderlecht.
The fight for a coveted European spot remains wide open, and Arokodare's goals could prove crucial in Genk's quest for continental glory.
Another Nigerian at Genk, Yira Collins Sor wasn’t available as injury has ruled him out of the rest of the season. Meanwhile Noah Adedeji-Sternberg was on the bench after featuring for Genk's feeder team on Friday.
