Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed confidence that he would soon get a call-up to the Super Eagles.
Arokodare has been in fine form for Genk in the Belgian Jupiler, scoring six goals in 10 league appearances.
Despite his impressive scoring feat, Arokodare was not invited for this month’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers between the Super Eagles and Libya.
However, the 23-year-old believes provided he keeps performing he will surely be invited in subsequent games.
“We have a huge talent in our attack obviously and the whole squad is full of talent,” he told Tribalfootball.com.
“ I haven’t been contacted by the NFF, but with time, if I keep performing right and doing the right things, I think I will get that call soon, and me not being called up I think it’s not my time and I think the players that are being called up before me, they worked to be in that position, they deserved every invitation to the Super Eagles. I just need to have patience and work harder.”
Also Read: 2025 AFCONQ: Approach Libya Game Like A Cup Final –Lawal Advises Eagles
On whether this is his best season he has ever played:”I would not say it is the best I ever played, I would say it’s the best ever played in the top higher level. I had seasons like this in the past where I played a lot, but obviously Belgium is the higher level. It is more competitive at a higher level.
He added:”It has been amazing for me here knowing that Genkis at the top of the table. I think to have played seven games and won five games is really good and the atmosphere is really great. I’m sure that we will continue to approach each game with positive energy and great morale for the team to continue the winning streak.”
Arokodare stated that after his early struggles in the Belgian topflight, he has settled down well now.
“Yes. I would say I feel comfortable in the league, I feel like I understand the league a bit better now and my teammates understand me a lot better too
He revealed how he was spotted by scouts.
“I was first playing for Box 2 Box in Lagos, Nigeria and then I had my agent make some contacts with the club in Latvia and I went there, from there to Koln and Valmeria and here now.”
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COMMENTS
Arokodare has done very well in Belgium, but others have done well too in the recent past.
Onuachu and Orban painted Belgium red with goals. They arguably did better than Arokodare, though Arokodare’s story is still ongoing. But the point is just doing well in Belgium may not be enough to secure his spot in the SE. Arokodare has to do more.
1) Obviously, keep shaking the net with reckless abandon in the Belgian league.
2) Seize opportunities that come in Europe.
3) Try to move to a better league.
These are the actions that will force his invitation. The same thing applies to Olatunji. He is also a decent striker, but the league he currently plays in may be used as the reason to exclude his invitation for now.
As for Akpom and Orban, there is simply no reason or excuse why we are yet to see these guys in action for the SE.
Talking about Dessers, he did not do himself a favour with his performance in his last couple of games for NIgeria. Missed several chances. Sitters even. One time, even he was so embarrassed after a particularly bad miss. Granted, that’s not enough to write him off permanently. But then, his move to Rangers is not helping his cause. Scotland is considered a soft league, with good reason. Banging in goals week in, week out in Scotland is not going to move decision makers much. Again, recall that Orban in particular practically colonized Belgium with goals, yet he can’t get an SE invite.
To help his cause, Dessers should follow the same suggestions I gave to Arokodare and Olatunji.
Best wishes to all our strikers.