Tolu Arokodare has been working on getting a Super Eagles chance since he shot to the limelight in Latvia, but the timing had to be perfect for him to get the opportunity finally.
A perfect time when he sits atop the Belgian Jupiler Liga as the leading scorer with 16 goals and a new Super Eagles coach seeking to build a new force in African football.
The boy from Festac in Lagos has finally gone national after making the list for the double 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria will play against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to get their qualification on track, and Tolu feels this is the perfect time.
“I feel like my hard work has been rewarded. It couldn’t have come at a better time. I feel like it’s the perfect time for it to come. I feel like I’m ready, mentally and physically. Whatever challenges come my way. I think I’m ready for it.”
Fondly called TEA Time, Tolu has been around the junior national team, but it didn’t click as much.
His coach at U17, Garba Manu, is excited about the invitation, alongside other alumnus of his 2017/2018 Golden Eaglets side.
“It’s a good development. Tolu Arokodare and Igho Ogbu both played for me in the Golden Eaglet team together with Bruno Onyeamachi.”
Background: Tolu Arokodare and His Journey to the Super Eagles
Tolu Arokodare first shot into the limelight with his performance in Latvia, where he started his career with Valmiera FC.
After 32 games in Latvia, Arokodare netted 22 times.
The performance in Latvia gave him his first Super Eagles shout, but it wasn’t enough, and he settled for a step to Germany.
In the 2020/21 season, he had a forgettable spell in Germany with Koln FC, leading to 10 appearances without a goal.
Arokodare chased redemption to Amiens FC in 2022, where he showed glimpses of his old self.
Tolu Arokodare found the back of the net eight times in his first season in France.
Subsequently, he netted six times in the following season.
Following an impressive showing in France, Belgian side Genk called for his services for the 2023 season.
He scored only two goals in his first season in Belgium.
He put up improved shows in the 2023/2024 season when he netted 12 times in 40 games for Genk.
Currently, he tops the Belgian league scoring chart with 16 goals and five assists in 28 games for Genk this season.
