Tolu Arokodare has described his home debut for the Super Eagles as one of the most emotional moments of his life, made even more special by the presence of his father, who watched him play professionally for the first time.
The Racing Genk striker featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo. Brought on as a second-half substitute for Samuel Chukwueze, Arokodare made an immediate impact, contributing to the build-up that led to Victor Osimhen’s goal by linking up with Ola Aina, who provided the decisive cross.
Though he came close to scoring himself, Arokodare was left to reflect on the emotional magnitude of the occasion and the honour of training alongside top Super Eagles stars many of whom he previously only followed on social media.
“I almost scored… I was overwhelmed,” he told Genk TV. “It meant so much to me, especially because my dad was in the stands seeing me play at that level for the first time.”
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The 24 year old leads the Belgian Jupiler Pro League scoring chart this season with 18 goals in 31 games and is fast becoming a reliable attacking option for both club and country.
Editorial
Tolu Arokodare’s debut on home soil offers a beautiful collision of personal pride and national promise. While the spotlight was understandably shared with Victor Osimhen’s goal, Arokodare’s cameo quietly marked a defining moment one where dreams, sacrifice, and identity converged under the lights of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
What made this debut truly resonate wasn’t just the assist or near miss goal it was the presence of his father. For any footballer, that’s a memory etched forever. It’s the kind of detail that reminds us football is as much about people and moments as it is about tactics and results.
Arokodare’s humility in describing his emotions and admiration for his Super Eagles teammates shows a man grounded in reality but reaching for greatness. His rise in Belgium is no fluke. And if Nigeria continues to nurture his development with care and opportunity, they may have unearthed a formidable foil to Osimhen one who can shift matches, not just stories.
We hope this debut is the first of many, and that Nigerian football continues to make space for stories like Arokodare’s where passion meets potential, and family meets fulfilment.
Did You Know?
- Tolu Arokodare began his European career at Valmiera FC in Latvia before earning a move to the Bundesliga with Köln.
- He is the top scorer in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League this season with 18 goals for Racing Genk.
- The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is often referred to as the “Nest of Champions.”
- Arokodare made his Super Eagles debut during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Genk is the same club that launched the careers of other Nigerian stars like Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu.
