Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has admitted he expected to miss out on Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, citing poor form and limited playing time at club level.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, who joined the Premier League side from KRC Genk last summer, was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad but failed to make the final list for the tournament in Morocco.
From his living room, Arokodare watched the Super Eagles secure bronze after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place play-off.
Reflecting on the setback in an interview with Counter Attack, the 23-year-old said his performance against DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying play-offs played a major role in shaping his expectations.
“To be very honest, I knew not anybody telling me. Since that Congo game because I would be very honest,” Arokodare said.
“That Congo game, the way I came on and off, and the way the result went, I don’t want to talk about the chance I missed because anybody can miss a chance. I obviously was trying to score.”
He acknowledged the intense competition in Nigeria’s attack, with Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu among the established options available to the coaching crew.
“The way my last game went with the national team wasn’t really the best and the way the season was going with Wolves. I wasn’t playing as many minutes, I am like, Tolu be realistic, if you’re the coach, would you call yourself?” he added.
Although pragmatic about the decision, the striker admitted the disappointment lingered.
“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 to know you weren’t selected.”
Arokodare has since begun to earn more minutes at Wolverhampton Wanderers as the club battle to avoid relegation. With the next international window set for March, the forward will hope his improved form forces a return to Super Eagles contention.
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