Rafiu Durosinmi: Super Eagles striker sets ambitious target after stunning Genk start

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi has set his sights on a remarkable 20-goal haul after making a stunning start to life at Belgian Pro League side Genk, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 23-year-old has wasted little time justifying Genk's decision to make him the most expensive signing in the club's history, following his €10.5 million move from Italian side Pisa during the summer transfer window.

Durosinmi has scored five goals in his opening six league appearances for Genk, putting himself among the leading scorers in the Belgian top flight. His latest goal came in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Gent.

Genk's Rafiu Durosinmi celebrates after scoring. Copyright: Imago

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His five goals have also demonstrated different aspects of his game, with three headers and two penalties underlining his aerial threat and composure from the spot.

Durosinmi's rapid adaptation has been particularly impressive considering he only joined Genk during the summer after a difficult spell at Pisa.

Rafiu Durosinmi sets 20-goal target at Genk

Having already reached five goals, the Nigerian is now targeting a significantly bigger haul before the end of the campaign.

Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Durosinmi revealed that he wants to challenge for the Belgian Pro League's Golden Boot while setting himself a personal target of at least a score of goals.

“At least 20 goals this season would be fantastic.”

The target would be a significant jump from his output during his previous spell at Pisa, where he scored just once in 12 Serie A appearances during the second half of the 2025/26 season.

However, his current form suggests the Nigerian is already operating with a completely different level of confidence.

Rafiu Durosinmi. Copyright: Imago

Earlier this month, after scoring his fifth league goal against Gent, Durosinmi explained that belief had been central to his impressive start.

“I am happy to have been voted Man of the Match again. It also feels good to be the top scorer at the moment. In football, anything is possible, but you have to believe in it.”

The striker had also previously revealed that winning the Golden Boot was one of his ambitions.

“I want to score, I want to finish high in the standings, and I also want to go for the top scorer title. I have always dreamed of that.”

Paul Onuachu during the friendly match between Poland and Nigeria. Copyright: xAndrzejxIwanczukxImago

Onuachu played a role in Durosinmi's Genk move

Durosinmi's decision to join Genk was also influenced by fellow Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu.

The former Genk forward recommended the Belgian club to Durosinmi when the latter was considering his options after leaving Pisa.

“He wondered why I had chosen Pisa in January and was curious about the options I had now. When I mentioned Genk, he immediately said that it was the best step for me.”

Durosinmi admitted that Onuachu's recommendation gave him the final push to make the move.

“That really gave me the final push to choose this club. And to be honest: the club really is fantastic. I had expected that because of all the good stories, but it has exceeded my expectations.”

Genk's Rafiu Durosinmi celebrates after scoring. Copyright: Imago

The forward has also quickly settled into life at Genk, praising the club's environment and head coach Jess Thorup.

“This is the first club where I was completely settled within a week.”

That rapid adaptation has been reflected on the pitch. Durosinmi's five goals have already placed him in the company of two Nigerians who previously made a major impact at Genk: Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare.

Both strikers won the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot during their time at the club before earning moves to the Premier League, giving Durosinmi a clear Nigerian precedent to follow.