AFCON 2025
Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare has opened up on his omission from Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying he saw it coming and is now focused on returning to the national team setup.
Arokodare was initially named in the provisional squad for the tournament in Morocco but did not make the final 28-man list announced by coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria went on to finish third, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the bronze medal match.
Speaking in an interview with Counter Attack, the 25-year-old striker admitted he was not surprised by the decision, acknowledging a difficult period of limited game time at his club and a challenging performance for Nigeria against DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
“To be very honest, I knew without anybody telling me. Since that Congo game. the way I came on and off, and the way the result went. I obviously was trying to score,” Arokodare said.
He also reflected on how his club situation influenced expectations around his international selection:
“The way my last game went with the national team wasn’t really the best, and the way the season was going with Wolves. I wasn’t playing as many minutes. I am like, Tolu, be realistic, if you’re the coach, would you call yourself?” he added.
While discussing the competition for places among Nigeria’s forwards, Arokodare highlighted the strength and depth of his compatriots:
“There was Osimhen, Onuachu, who was the top scorer in Turkey ahead of Osimhen, who is our top scorer in the national team. There is Akor Adams, who is having a very good run with the national team,” he explained.
The forward said the moment he saw the final squad list without his name was difficult, describing the snub as painful.
“When I saw the list and I didn’t see my name, I won’t say it was hurtful but I would say it was painful to know you weren’t selected,” he said.
Since his exclusion, Arokodare has worked to increase his minutes for Wolves, who are fighting to stay clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone. His recent performances have shown encouraging signs, and he confirmed he aims to be in top form ahead of the upcoming March international window.
The Super Eagles’ next fixtures present Arokodare with an opportunity to force his way back into coach Chelle’s plans as Nigeria prepares for double header friendly games in March against Jordan and Iran.
