Tolu Arokodare Excited to Fulfil Dream with First Super Eagles Call-Up

Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his excitement after being called up to the Super Eagles for the first time, calling it a major milestone in his football career.

Speaking to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media team, the 24-year-old revealed how honoured he felt when he first heard the news.

“First, I was surprised,” Arokodare said. “I felt very honoured to be mentioned amongst the, was it 30, 31? Yeah, I think 31 (39) players. It was quite surprising. I mean, I knew it was coming because I’ve been doing pretty well, and I was hoping it would come. And it did come, and I felt like a winner already.”

The Genk forward said that even being included in the provisional list was a big achievement for him.

“Even if I didn’t make the final 23, I feel like I’ve done something, I’ve achieved something,” he explained. “And being in the final 23 also… yeah, I just feel really blessed, and I was very grateful.”

Arokodare described playing for Nigeria as a dream come true, one he had been waiting for since he was a young boy.

“It means a lot,” he said. “It’s one of the best things that could happen to a football player—getting the opportunity to represent your country. As a kid, you always watched the national legends play, and you always wanted to play for your national team. Apparently, being in that position to play for my country means a lot to me.”

The Super Eagles, now coached by Eric Chelle, are preparing for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on Friday. Arokodare’s performances at Genk this season have earned him a place in the squad, and he is hoping to make his international debut in the crucial match.

With Nigeria looking to revive their World Cup qualifying campaign, Arokodare’s height, strength, and goal-scoring ability could be a valuable addition to the team’s attack.

As he joins up with the squad, Arokodare’s excitement and determination to make an impact will surely give the Super Eagles a boost ahead of their important fixtures.