The chances of Tolu Arokodare returning to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London remain uncertain, casting fresh doubt over his international future.
Once seen as a key figure in the early days of Eric Chelle’s tenure, Arokodare had quickly established himself as the preferred attacking partner to Victor Osimhen. His physical presence and direct style offered balance to the frontline, giving Nigeria a new dimension in attack.
By November, the striker had lost his place in the team, with Akor Adams of Sevilla emerging as a preferred option in Chelle’s setup.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Arokodare’s absence may not be purely tactical. It is understood that an incident during the World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco in November may have strained his relationship with the head coach.
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While details of the episode remain unclear, one source described it as significant enough to “dent” the dynamic between player and manager.
That unresolved situation now leaves his inclusion for the Unity Cup hanging in the balance.
The uncertainty surrounding his international prospects comes at a difficult moment in his club career. Following a challenging season with Wolverhampton Wanderers which ended in relegation from the Premier League Arokodare has faced scrutiny over both form and discipline, further complicating his case for a recall.
For Chelle, the decision appears to extend beyond performances alone. With squad harmony and long-term planning in focus, the coach is expected to weigh both footballing merit and dressing room dynamics before finalizing his selection.
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With the Unity Cup approaching, Arokodare’s situation stands as one of the key selection subplots whether a oncetrusted option can force his way back into contention or remain on the outside as Nigeria reshapes its attacking options.
