Genk forward Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight and surprise at being named in the Super Eagles' squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The 24-year-old forward earned a place in Eric Chelle’s final squad after being named in the provisional list, joining a formidable attacking lineup alongside Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Ademola Lookman.
His selection comes on the back of an outstanding season in the Belgian Pro League, where he registered 19 goals and six assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
The former Amiens man admitted he had hoped for the opportunity and sees it as a significant achievement in his career.
Tolu Arokodare on ‘expected but surprising' Super Eagles call-up
Speaking in an interview with Super Eagles TV, Arokodare admitted he was both surprised and honoured to be named in the 39-man provisional squad.
“First I was surprised, I felt very honoured to be mentioned amongst the 39 players, it was quite surprising,” Arokodare said.
The towering forward revealed that he had been hoping for the opportunity and felt a sense of achievement when the call-up finally arrived.
“I knew it was coming because I’ve been doing pretty well and I was hoping that it would come and it did come. I felt like a winner already that even if I didn’t make the final 23, I had done something, I’ve achieved something.
“I just feel really blessed and really grateful.”
The Super Eagles are set to face Group C table-toppers Rwanda away on Friday, 21 March, before hosting Zimbabwe on 25 March. Winless in their last four matches—three draws and one defeat—they currently sit fifth in Group C with three points.
