Tolu Arokodare, Genk striker, has shared his emotional experience of making his debut for the Super Eagles. Arokodare, who has been in impressive form for Genk, contributing 20 goals and seven assists in 36 appearances, was called up to the Nigerian national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Arokodare came on as a substitute in the 76th minute, replacing Victor Osimhen, as Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Rwanda. However, he was visibly overwhelmed by the occasion, and was seen in tears in the dressing room after the match. Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface shared a video of the emotional moment on social media.
“It’s what every footballer dreams of — representing your country,” Arokodare said in a recent interview. “I was so overwhelmed by the moment, and I felt immense happiness for my dad, knowing how much it meant to him. It was also special that he was able to watch me play professionally for the first time in Nigeria.”
Arokodare also reflected on the experience of training with players he looks up to. “I almost scored, and while we didn’t win, just being able to train with players I look up to — guys I follow on Instagram, Snapchat, and watch in the Premier League — was an incredible experience.”
With Nigeria’s next match in June, Arokodare will be hoping to maintain his current form and earn another call-up to the national team. Back at Genk, Arokodare’s goal in their 4-0 victory over Gent has helped kick off the Belgian Jupiler Pro League pla
Arokodare’s impressive form for Genk has not gone unnoticed, with many praising his clinical finishing and work rate. His debut for the Super Eagles has only added to his growing reputation, and he will be looking to build on this momentum in the coming months.
As Nigeria prepares for its next match in June, Arokodare will be hoping to retain his place in the squad. With stiff competition from other talented strikers, he will need to continue scoring goals and impressing coach Jose Peseiro. However, based on his recent performances, Arokodare has given himself every chance of becoming a regular feature in the Super Eagles’ lineup.
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