Tolu Arokodare scored for Nigeria in his most international outingplaceholder image
Tolu Arokodare scored for Nigeria in his most international outing | Wolves via Getty Images
Tolu Arokodare is hoping to make a big impact in the Premier League after his move from KRC Gent
New Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare gave fans a first glimpse of his potential with a match-winning strike for Nigeria against Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier.
Wolves splashed out £24m to bring the 24-year-old to Molinuex and are hoping he can get hit the ground running amid growing concern surrounding Jorgen Strand Larsen’s fitness after his failed move to Newcastle United and also the loss of goals in the team after Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Arokodare has only recently established himself as an international for Nigeria. He made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles when he replaced Victor Osimhen after 77 minutes during a 2-0 win over Rwanda back in March and has since gone on to play a further four matches for his country, although he’s still waiting for his first international start.
Tolu Arokodare makes dream impact for Nigeria
Tolu Arokodare was brought on to the pitch to change the game for Nigeria in a home clash against Rwanda. The Super Eagles had been on top in the first half but failed to find an opening before turning to Arokodare in the 46th minute. He replaced Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka and was shifted to play alongside Victor Osimhen to boost the team’s attacking threat.
Within five minutes of coming onto the field, Arokodare showcased his quality with a goal from the bench. It was a poacher's goal which saw his initial sliding shot get saved by the goalkeeper before he rose to his feet and fired the ball into an open net with an overhead kick from a matter of inches away from goal.
It marks Arokodare’s second goal in five matches for his country and back-to-back goals for the striker, who also found the net in a friendly match with Russia which finished 1-1 in June. Arokodare is currently competing with Victor Boniface and Osimhen among others for a starting place.
Nigeria currently sit third in qualifying after their victory - six points behind leaders South Africa and one behind Benin. They need to finish at least second to have any hope of qualifying for the play-offs and have three games remaining to get themselves back into contention, starting with leaders South Africa on Tuesday.
Will Tolu Arokodare start against Newcastle United?
Tolu Arokodare is currently in a strong position to start his first match against Newcastle United on Saturday 13 September. Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is believed to be in contract talks with the club following his failed move to the North East, has been nursing a minor Achilles injury, and now faces a battle to prove his fitness.
Should the Norwegian not make it in time, it’s expected Vitor Pereira will go with Arokodare at St James’ Park, although there’s also a possibility that Hwang Hee-can, who scored against Everton, could remain in the starting line-up for another game.
Newcastle last faced Wolves in January and ran out 3-0 winners after a brace from the now departed Alexander Isak and one goal from Anthony Gordon, who is suspended for this fixture.
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