“Tears of joy,” Genk star Arokodare reveals why he cried after his Super Eagles debut

• Genk striker Tolu Arokodare’s Super Eagles debut was an emotional moment, as he broke into tears in the dressing room after the match.
• The 24-year-old has been in top form for Genk, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 36 appearances this season.
• Arokodare revealed that playing for Nigeria was overwhelming, especially since it was the first time his father watched him play professionally in the country.

Genk star Tolu Arokodare's Super Eagles debut was a moment he would never forget. The Genk striker, who has been enjoying a stellar season in Belgium, could not hold back his emotions as he donned the Nigerian jersey for the first time. 

Overcome by the weight of the occasion, he broke down in tears in the dressing room after the match against Rwanda.

Arokodare’s performances for Genk this season have been nothing short of exceptional. With 20 goals and seven assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, the 24-year-old had long been knocking on the Super Eagles’ door. 

His call-up finally came last month when Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle included him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Despite not starting against Rwanda, Arokodare was brought on in the 76th minute, replacing Victor Osimhen. The match ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for Nigeria, but for Arokodare, the emotions of making his international debut were overwhelming. 

A video shared by Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface showed Arokodare in tears, clearly moved by the significance of the moment,

“It’s what every footballer wants, to represent their 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. I was also very happy he could come to watch me play for the first time ever professionally in Nigeria,” Arokodare told Genk in a recent interview.

His second appearance for Nigeria came in the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, though he could not help secure a win for the Super Eagles. 

Nonetheless, he returned to club football in fine form, scoring in Genk’s dominant 4-0 victory over Gent in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League playoffs.

Genk are aiming for their fifth league title, with their last triumph coming in 2019. Two years later, with Paul Onuachu leading the line, they came close but were edged out by Club Brugge. This season, however, they look ready for another title charge, and Arokodare could play a pivotal role in making that happen.

Should the striker continue his impressive form, not only will he strengthen his place in the national team, but he could also attract a big transfer in the summer. 

Nigeria will resume international duty in June, and all eyes will be on Arokodare to see if he can maintain his red-hot streak.

“I rushed to meet his dad,” Ex-NFF boss Pinnick reflects on convincing Lookman to join Super Eagles

Previously, TheRadar reported that Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the extensive efforts that culminated in Ademola Lookman’s first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in March 2022. 

The revelation comes after Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16, in Morocco, a milestone Pinnick regards as validation of the groundwork laid during his tenure.