Racing Genk center forward Toluwalase Arokodare was greatly impressed by the mentality of some Super Eagles stars while on international duty for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Footynaija.com reports.
Arokodare received his maiden call-up to the Nigeria national team last month after impressing for Genk in the Belgian Pro League. The 24-year-old striker went on to make his debut albeit a cameo in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Rwanda.
Genk’s hitman would eventually play a much more significant part in Nigeria’s second game against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as he was crucially involved in the build up to Victor Osimhen’s opener.
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Despite Zimbabwe’s late equalizer to tie the game at 1-1 upon the final whistle, Arokodare has fond memories of his first involvement with the Nigeria national team.
“I almost scored. We didn’t win but I got to train with people that I look up to – people I see on Instagram, social media, Snapchat, watch in the Premier League,” the Festac-born marksman said on Genk’s official YouTube channel.
“I got to train with them and I saw the mentality. It was different, it was a good experience.”
A match to never forget
It is safe to say that Arokodare will forever remember his second international appearance at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as he got to play in front of his father for the first time in his professional career.
“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,” the towering striker said.
“I was also very happy he could come to watch me play for the first time ever professionally in Nigeria.”
Arokodare has since returned to club duty, picking up from where he left off with a goal in Genk’s 4-0 thrashing of Gent to take his tally for the season to 20 goals.
