Super Eagles striker Toluwalase Arokodare is buzzing with excitement as he prepares to mark his 100th appearance for Belgian side Genk in Sunday’s (today) crucial Championship Round clash against Anderlecht, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international, who joined the Smurfs from French side Amiens SC in the winter transfer window of the 2022/2023 season, has overcome a difficult start to establish himself as a key figure in Thorsten Fink’s title-chasing side.

“Who would have thought? When I signed here, I had hoped to reach 100. It wasn’t always easy, either. There was an opportunity for departure this season, but I am very happy that I stayed and can play under this coach. He has made me much better,” the former FC Koln forward said in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.

Arokodare nearly joined Anderlecht from Amiens 27 months ago, but now he is on course to celebrate his century of games against them on Sunday.

The powerful striker has been in blistering form this campaign, netting 20 goals and providing five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

His overall tally for Genk stands at an impressive 37 goals and 12 assists in 99 appearances, with his substantial improvement this season coinciding with Genk’s title pursuit.

Arokodare’s milestone comes at a pivotal moment in the Belgian league, with Genk sitting atop the Championship Round table with 37 points, four clear of second-placed Club Brugge following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Gent in their playoff opener last weekend.

The Nigerian striker’s confidence has been further boosted by his recent call-up to the Super Eagles, adding extra motivation as he prepares for what he describes as a war against Anderlecht.

“We don’t focus on the past, but on our football. It is a big match for both clubs. It is the playoffs. These are the games you want to play,” Arokodare said.

“We are a resilient team, you saw that last week against Gent. We want to beat Anderlecht with the same mentality as the whole season. There is certainly no underestimation. We don’t underestimate or overestimate anyone. We start from our own strength and pretend it is war.”

Sunday’s encounter at the Lotto Park presents a challenging test for both sides. Anderlecht, currently sitting fourth in the Championship Round table with 26 points, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Club Brugge in their playoff opener, where they failed to register a single shot on target.