Rather than dwell on disappointment, Tolu Arokodare has chosen reflection and renewed focus after missing out on Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad
The towering striker was part of the provisional list but did not make the final selection for the tournament in Morocco, where the Super Eagles eventually secured a bronze medal. For Arokodare, however, the omission did not come as a shock.
Speaking about the decision, Arokodare revealed he had already sensed his chances were slim following Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff against DR Congo. He admitted that his cameo appearance and a missed opportunity in that fixture lingered in his mind.
Coupled with limited playing time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the striker believed it would have been difficult to justify his inclusion ahead of more in-form options.
Instead of questioning the coaches’ call, he turned the lens on himself.
“If you’re the coach, would you call yourself?” he recalled asking internally — a moment of honesty that framed his response to the setbacks.
Nigeria’s attacking depth made the battle even steeper. With Victor Osimhen leading the line and prolific forwards such as Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams delivering consistently, places were scarce.
Arokodare was also contending with established internationals including Cyriel Dessers, Terem Moffi, and Victor Boniface, leaving little room for sentiment in the final squad list.
When the announcement confirmed his absence, Arokodare described the feeling not as heartbreak, but as pain.
Since the tournament, the striker has focused on rebuilding momentum at club level. Increased minutes at Wolves have given him a platform to rediscover rhythm and confidence as the club navigate a tense campaign.
With another international window around the corner, Arokodare’s outlook is markedly different from a few months ago. The frustration of missing AFCON has evolved into motivation.
For the forward, the equation is simple: improved performances, sustained form, and let the goals make the argument.