“I Already Saw It Coming” — Super Eagles Striker Tolu Arokodare Opens Up on AFCON Omission

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has opened up about being left out of Nigeria’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, admitting he wasn’t surprised by the decision.

The Wolves striker was initially named in the provisional list but didn’t make the final cut for the tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria secured third place after beating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the bronze medal match.

Speaking to Counter Attack, Arokodare candidly explained that he had already mentally prepared himself for the omission following a challenging performance in the World Cup qualifying playoff against DR Congo.

"To be very honest, I knew not anybody telling me. Since that Congo game because I would be very honest," he 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."

"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.