Another Nigerian Star Joins Bundesliga Side Cologne

The Bily Goats already have Kingsley Ehizibue in their ranks, but they have added another Nigerian ahead of the new Bundesliga season

FC Cologne have announced the signing of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare from Latvian side, Valmieras FK, on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

Tolu made headlines in the Latvian top-flight this season after scoring 16 times in 15 games for Valmieras. Speaking on why Cologne decided to bring the lanky striker in, the club’s managing director, Horst Heldt revealed it was because of Tolu’s potentials.

“Tolu is a young striker who has the potential to develop and brings many good qualities: he is athletic, good in the air and fast,” Heldt said.

Although the managing director admitted the Nigerian would need to raise his level, he won’t have any problem as he already has enough games under his belt.

Naturally, he will have to get used to the Bundesliga level. However, there is the advantage that he is already at match fitness and comes to us fully motivated,” he added.

Speaking after joining, Tolu said it’s a dream come true for him and he hopes to score a lot of goals in the German top-flight.

“For me, it is a dream come true. I have always wanted to play in the Bundesliga,” he told the club’s website. For FC, I want to score many goals and develop myself further. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tolu’s signing means Markus Gisdol now has two Nigerians in his team with Ehizibue already in the side. The 19-year-old, who was born in Festac, Lagos, is unlikely to feature against Hoffenheim on Saturday, but he could make his debut in next week’s clash against Arminia Bielefeld.