‘Be Realistic’ — Arokodare Reflects on Missing AFCON 2025 Squad

‘Be Realistic’ — Arokodare Reflects on Missing AFCON 2025 Squad

By Niyi Busari 

Tolu Arokodare has described his omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as painful but ultimately understandable, citing limited playing time at club level and intense competition for places in the Super Eagles’ attack, BSNSports

com.ng reports.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward was included in the provisional squad but did not make the final list for the tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria secured a third-place finish. The Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the bronze medal match.

Speaking to Counter Attack, Arokodare said he anticipated the decision following a challenging appearance against DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

“To be very honest, I knew without anybody telling me. Since that Congo game — the way I came on and off, and the way the result went. I obviously was trying to score,” he said.

The striker added that a candid evaluation of his club situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. made the omission easier to accept.

“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 said.

Arokodare also acknowledged the depth of Nigeria’s attacking options as a significant factor. He pointed to the presence of established forwards such as Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, as well as emerging talents including Akor Adams.

“There was Osimhen, Onuachu, who was the top scorer in Turkey, ahead of Osimhen, who is our top scorer in the national team. There is Akor Adams, who is having a very good run with the national team,” he said.

He added that he was competing for limited spots alongside other forwards in similar circumstances.

Despite his measured perspective, Arokodare admitted that the confirmation of the final squad list was difficult to process.

“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,” he said.

Since missing out on the tournament, Arokodare has increased his involvement at Wolves as the club battles to avoid relegation. Sustained performances at club level could strengthen his case for a return to the national team when the next international window opens in March.