Striker Tolu Arokodare is aiming for a recall to the Super Eagles following his omission from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad. His exclusion from the final team did not come as a surprise, as he was aware of his own form and limited playing time with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arokodare’s Journey to AFCON
Arokodare joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in the previous summer after a notable tenure at KRC Genk. Although he made the provisional squad for AFCON, he did not make the final cut.
Reflecting on His Performance
- Arokodare was acutely aware of his situation long before the announcement.
- He believes his turning point came during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against DR Congo.
- Despite opportunities, he was unable to capitalize, noting a missed chance that weighed on his playing time.
The striker expressed the importance of self-assessment, acknowledging intense competition within Nigeria’s attacking lineup. He recognized that his performance and lack of regular starts were factors in the coach’s decision-making process.
Competitive Landscape
Arokodare highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s forward options, which included:
- Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer
- Paul Onuachu, who leads the Turkish scoring charts
- Akor Adams, performing well with the national team
In addition, he mentioned competitors like Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi, and Victor Boniface as challenges in securing a spot on the team.
Response to Omission
Despite understanding the reasons behind his omission, the pain of not seeing his name on the final list was evident. Arokodare admitted it was a painful moment but not entirely unexpected.
Turning Point: Increased Performance
In the wake of his AFCON omission, Arokodare has focused on performance improvements with Wolverhampton. He has increased his playing time and contributed to the team’s efforts to avoid relegation.
Looking Ahead
With the next international window approaching in March, Arokodare is determined to push for a recall to the Super Eagles. He is motivated to learn from his past experiences and regain his place in the national squad.
