Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has made a surprising admission about his biggest area for improvement, despite being the current top scorer in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. The Genk forward, who has been included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers, identified his professionalism as the key aspect he needs to work on.
In a revealing interview with Het Belang van Limburg, Arokodare provided a candid self-assessment of his personal growth as a professional footballer. “Although I am certainly not where I want and need to be, because if I am honest with myself, my professionalism is one of my biggest areas of improvement,” he said.
Arokodare’s goalscoring exploits have made him a standout performer in Belgium this season. However, he acknowledged that his openness and desire to please everyone have sometimes worked against him. “I always think that everyone is my friend, but in the end, that is not true. I am always talking and trying to explain things, but I really need to learn to just keep my mouth shut sometimes,” he revealed.
The 24-year-old striker suggested that limiting his expressiveness might help mask some of his weaknesses. He explained that his talkative nature is a deeply ingrained trait that has been challenging to overcome. “I am convinced that my worse qualities would not be so noticeable if I chatted less often,” Arokodare said.
“I work very hard on it, but it is incredibly difficult. I am now 24 years old and have been very open all that time, it is extremely difficult to change something that you have been doing your whole life.”
Arokodare’s candid self-reflection comes at a crucial time in his career as he prepares for international duty with the Super Eagles. His inclusion in Coach Eric Chelle’s final 23-man squad suggests that his professional development and goalscoring ability have not gone unnoticed.
The striker’s honesty about his weaknesses demonstrates a level of self-awareness that could ultimately help him fulfill his potential both at club level with Genk and on the international stage with Nigeria.
As Arokodare continues to work on his professionalism and personal growth, he will be eager to make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup qualification matches. With his goalscoring ability and newfound self-awareness, he will be a key player to watch in Nigeria’s bid to secure a spot.