Nigeria and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare. Photo by IMAGO
Genk forward Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after being included in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later. Head coach Eric Chelle, who took charge in January as Nigeria’s first non-Nigerian African coach, has selected a squad aimed at securing the team’s first win of the campaign.
Nigeria have struggled in their qualification run so far, drawing three and losing one of their opening four fixtures. With automatic qualification at stake, Chelle has named four debutants in his squad, including the in-form Arokodare.
Arokodare’s inclusion comes on the back of a stellar season with Genk.
The 24-year-old striker has been one of the standout performers in Belgium, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in all competitions. His goal tally is only bettered by Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen (23 goals for Galatasaray) and Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers (22 goals) among Nigerian goalscorers in Europe.
Interestingly, while Osimhen retained his place in the squad, Dessers was omitted, making way for Arokodare, who now has a chance to make his international debut.
Having risen through the ranks from Latvia to Germany, then France, and now Belgium, Arokodare’s journey to the Nigerian national team has been remarkable. His performances for Genk have turned heads, and his call-up is seen as a deserved reward for his hard work and consistency.
The former Cologne and Amiens forward took to social media to express his excitement.
Quoting the official Super Eagles tweet announcing the squad, Arokodare responded with emojis symbolizing gratitude.
His call-up is a major milestone in his career, as he now has an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.
Before linking up with the national team, Arokodare will first focus on Genk’s crucial league clash against title-chasing Union Saint-Gilloise this weekend.
With league leaders Genk pushing to stay on top in the Belgian First Division A, the striker will be keen to add to his impressive goal tally before heading to Kigali.
The Super Eagles’ training camp in Kigali is set to open on Sunday, March 16, as Chelle and his team prepare for the decisive fixtures.
Nigeria will take on Rwanda’s Wasps at the Amahoro Stadium on March 21 before returning home to host Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
With the pressure mounting to turn their qualification campaign around, Nigeria will be hoping that Arokodare’s club form translates to the international stage, providing the goals needed to put the Super Eagles back on track.
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