By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Tolu Arokodare has revealed that he already expected to be omitted from Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, admitting he was realistic about his chances following a difficult international appearance and limited club minutes.
Speaking in an interview with Counter Attack, the Nigerian forward said he anticipated the decision long before the official squad announcement for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“To be very honest, I knew — not anybody telling me,” Arokodare said. “Since that Congo game… the way my last game went with the national team wasn’t really the best.”
The striker referenced his performance in that match, acknowledging that although missing a chance can happen to any forward, he understood the broader impact of his overall display and the result.
He also pointed to his lack of regular playing time at club level with Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. at the time, admitting it further reduced his chances of selection.
“I am like, Tolu be realistic, if you’re the coach, would you call yourself?” he said.
Arokodare further acknowledged the intense competition for places in Nigeria’s attack, highlighting the presence of established and in-form forwards such as Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, as well as other contenders fighting for limited spots.
“Look at the strikers, there was Osimhen, Onuachu, there is Akor Adams. So, it was between me, Dessers, Moffi, and Boniface,” he explained.
Despite mentally preparing himself for the outcome, the emotional impact remained significant.
“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,” Arokodare admitted.
The 24-year-old remains part of Nigeria’s wider player pool and continues to work toward reclaiming a place in the Nigeria national football team squad ahead of future international competitions.