BEVERLY HILLS, May 08, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s imposing 6ft 7in striker Paul Onuachu, who has been in scintillating form for club and country this season, was on target again on Friday night as his club Racing Genk trounced league leaders Club Brugge 3-0 in a Belgian First Division A clash at The Luminous Arena.
Onuachu broke the deadlock in the 57th minute to put Genk in front and, by so doing, set two new club records for himself at the Belgian club and in the Jupiler Pro League. The goal took the impressive forward’s goal haul this season to 31, taking him one over the record of Belgian striker Wesley Sonck, for the most league goals in a single-season.
The 19-year-old Sonck record had stood untouched for so long after the striker, who is currently the coach of Belgium’s national Under-19 team, netted 30 league goals over the course of the 2001-2002 football season. But, this was only one of Sonck’s record in his glittering career in the Belgian League itself for that season.
That is because the retired Belgium international finished the same season with 32 goals in all competitions with an extra non-league goal. It was this second record, for the most goals scored by a Genk player in all competitions, that Onuachu overtook with his 57th minute opener on Friday.
The huge player gave Brugge goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, no chance as he drove the ball into the net for his 33rd goal in all competitions. The extra two goals came from his contribution to the team’s tally in the Belgian Cup competition.
Onuachu, with his record 33 goals in 38 appearances, averages a goal every 92 minutes. This eclipses Sonck’s 32 goals in 35 from his record rate of a goal every 99 minute, thus marking the Super Eagles’ striker as the all-out best striker in the division’s history.
This has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Some of the biggest sides in Europe’s top five leagues have repeatedly indicated their interest in the imposing forward and have made enquiries about transfer moves. Although Onuachu’s deal with Genk is not due to expire until the end of the 2023/2024 season, the striker himself has shown a determination to play in the red and white colours of north London’s English Premier League side Arsenal.
For now, Genk’s Sporting Director, Dimitri Conde, affirms that no offer has been made, but that the club was willing to consider a proper offer for their striker, which may be in the region of about €20m to €30m, given how much Onuachu’s stock has risen with the exceptional season he has had so far for club, most especially, but even for country too.
At 27, he is at the prime of his career and can make some significant contributions to the attack lineup of any side he moves to. But, it is imperative that he is as calculative and intentional as possible to make the best use of his time in the spotlight and determine where he ends up. An important decision as this can make or mar the rest of what is a promising career.
Already, Onuachu must be considered as one of the best forwards in Europe presently. He must now decide where that can be best promoted, where he can continue to excel and apply his skillset to win trophies and get the recognition his skills deserve. That will be for his best interests, his personal growth and the benefit of Nigeria, as well.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
