9ja Baller of the Week: Nigerian giant crowned after surpassing hat-trick hero with stunning performance

There is a new Naija, 9ja, Baller of the Week as revealed and monitored by Naija Stars Abroad after the weekend round of matches for Nigeria and Super Eagles stars. 

Belgium-based Toluwase Arokodare has emerged as the undisputed baller of the week after his heroics for Jupiler club side Genk on Saturday. 

The 23-year-old who is eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles produced a man-of-the-match display to dislodge forgotten Super Eagles striker Jose Maja after inspiring his club in a seven-goal thriller. 

It will be recalled that Maja was the first Nigerian to make his mark this season following a brilliant start for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship the previous weekend.

As reported by Naija Stars Abroad, the 25-year-old scored a stunning hat-trick to help the Baggies to a comfortable 3-1 away win at Queens Park Rangers. That performance deservedly earned him the Naija Star of the weekend.

However, Maja who returned to English football after cash-strapped Bordeaux failed to build on that performance, with Arokodare taking over the show in Belgium.

Arokodare, who has continued from where he stopped ensured that he won’t be outshone this time as he netted a fantastic brace to fire Genk to a 4-3 win against Beerschot in a keenly contested clash.

Both goals were his third and fourth of the season in as many matches, leaving him as an early contender for the Nigerian top scorer in Europe this term. 

But before that coveted crown, Tolu, as he is fondly referred to, is the Naija Baller of the Week. Going by his reaction on X.com, formerly Twitter, the Nigerian giant is happy to be recognised by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Arokodare’s fans were not left out of the celebration as they took to the comment section to join Pulse Sports to celebrate the talented striker. 

“I ride for you 12 times a day, 21 times if it's match day idolo,” one of the fans stated.”Baller @toluarokodare 

You na Legend. Big man do giveaway for your brother,” another added. 

Arokodare will be hoping to continue this fine form when Genk welcome Westerlo next in the League.