Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has opened up about overcoming early doubts in his career at the Belgian Pro League club.

Arokodare, who joined Genk from Latvian side Valmiera in 2023, has been in sensational form this season.

The Super Eagles hopeful has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 17 appearances for the Smurfs, a marked improvement from his tally of 12 goals in 40 league appearances since his arrival.

Reflecting on his journey, the 24-year-old admitted it wasn’t always easy.

“People doubted me in the beginning, and that was hard because I work very hard every day,” Arokodare said.

“Now I feel that my work is rewarded, and that gives me a fantastic feeling.”

The Nigerian forward attributed his impressive form to hard work and growing confidence.

“I did score at the start of the season, but it was more difficult. The fans also had their doubts after our poor start,” he recalled.

“It was important to keep believing in ourselves. Step by step we have become stronger as a team, and the same goes for me.”

Arokodare’s performances have drawn praise, with Genk coach Thorsten Fink recently describing him as the best striker in Belgium after their match against Beerschot.

While appreciative of the compliment, Arokodare maintained a humble stance.

“It is good for your confidence when a coach says something like that, but I also want to respect the other strikers in the competition,” he said.

“Dolberg is playing fantastically, Denkey is getting back into shape, and Bertaccini is also doing great.”

With his current form, Arokodare is fast proving his doubters wrong and establishing himself as one of the standout strikers in the Belgian league.