Paul Onuachu playing for Southampton 2022/2023 EPL season
KRC Genk captain Bryan Heynen shuts down comparison of Nigerian forwards Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare; npflupdates.com reports.
Tolu Arokodare is among the highest goalscorers in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League 2024/2025 season with over eight goals.
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Paul Onuachu on the other hand was a firmer forward for KRC Genk before joining Southampton last winter transfer window. During his time with the Belgian outfit, Paul was instrumental for their qualification to a UEFA competition; finishing as the league’s top scorer; winning the Golden Boot and the Ebony Shoe.
Speaking to the media last weekend, Bryan Heynen revealed that it will be unfair for Tolu to be compared with Onuachu.
According to the versatile player, people should bear in mind, Tolu is much younger when compared with Paul.
What Heynen Said About Tolu Arokodare
“The criticism Tolu received in the beginning had to do with the big shoes he had to fill,” Heynen told Het Laatste Nieuws.
“You have to remember that Paul (Onuachu) was also 28 when he left. Tolu was 22 when he arrived and has just turned 24. That is a big difference. He still has time to grow to that level.”
Speaking further, the Genk skipper also said Arokodare will have to change his attitude as it concerns scoring goals.
“I think he realises that it doesn’t just have to happen on the weekend, but also during the week. Both in training and in the gym. The new staff has played a big role in that,” he said.
According to Heynen Tolu has enjoyed the necessary confidence which can come from the club; and that is important for him to reach his full potentials.
“He is different from Onuachu and Samatta. Because of his height, the comparison with Paul is most valid,” he said.
“You can play the same game with them in principle, but there are too many differences. Tolu is faster. Paul was perhaps a bit stronger with his back to goal, although Tolu has also made progress there.”
Over-Dependent On Osimhen, Not Good For Super Eagles
In another story, Super Eagles legend Etim Esin downplays the over-reliance on Victor Osimhen.
According to Esin, forwards ought to score goals for their country; and depending too much on the Galatasary Sk forward will be catastrophic for the Super Eagles.
“Osimhen can only play his part. What happens if he gets injured? Does that mean we won’t score? It’s very worrying. A striker playing the number nine role must score consistently for his country—that’s the standard worldwide. You can’t play four games for your country without scoring a goal; it doesn’t make sense.
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Speaking further he said; “Boniface, for instance, has been given numerous opportunities, but he still can’t score for Nigeria. This is becoming a major concern. Does it mean Eguavoen cannot rely on any other striker? Or are we saying that if Osimhen doesn’t score, then Nigeria won’t score?
“In any tournament, you must depend on your strikers to deliver. If we keep relying solely on Osimhen, it will get us nowhere.”
