Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has revealed that he cried on his Super Eagles debut because he was overwhelmed, Soccernet.ng reports.
Arokodare is having a career-best campaign at Genk, as he has contributed 20 goals and seven assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. His performances put him in the conversation to get a Super Eagles call-up, and he got it last month, as coach Eric Chelle named him in his 23-man shortlist for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Arokodare did not start the game against Rwanda, but he was introduced into the game in the 76th minute as he replaced Victor Osimhen. The game eventually ended 2-0 in Nigeria's favour.
After the game, Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface shared a video of Arokodare crying in the dressing room. Unfortunately for Arokodare, he could not help Nigeria claim a win against Zimbabwe as they settled for a 1-1 draw.
The 24-year-old striker has since returned to Genk, and he even scored in their 4-0 bashing of Gent last week.
In a recent interview that Genk released, Arokodare opened up on his time with the Super Eagles, and he revealed that he was overwhelmed during the entire period.
https://twitter.com/soccernet_ng/status/1903221927713354114
“It's what every footballer wants, to represent the country. I have no words, I was very overwhelmed by the moment, I was very very happy for my dad because I know it meant a lot to him. I was also very happy he could come to watch me play for the first time ever professionally in Nigeria,” Arokodare said.
“I almost scored, we didn't win but I got to train with people that I look up to, people that I see on Instagram, I see on snapchat, I watch in the Premier League. I got to train with them and it was different, it was a good experience.”
https://twitter.com/KRCGenkofficial/status/1907473318065889407?t=wMCq6TrQMAClZqTjvq_W0Q&s=19
Nigeria will play next in June, and if Arokodare continues with his current form, he will likely get a call-up.
Tolu Arokodare will look to end the campaign on a high with Genk
The Belgian Jupiler Pro League playoffs started last week with Tolu Arokodare finding the net in their 4-0 bashing of Gent at Cegeka Arena.
The last time Genk won the Jupiler Pro League title was 2019. They had a close shave when they had Paul onuachu two years after that, but Club Brugge just edged them. But this season, they have been playing well and they seem to have a good shot at winning their fifth league title.
If Arokodare can help them win the league, he will write his name in the club's history books and could even get a transfer in the summer.
