Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has described his Super Eagles debut as a good experience, fulfilling a childhood dream.
Arokodare was invited for the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda, and Zimbabwe following his impressive performances for Genk in Belgium.
He was handed his Super Eagles debut against Rwanda when he replaced Victor Osimhen in the second half.
The 24-year-old was seen shedding tears at the end of the game, he has now opened up on the reason he was emotional after making his debut.
He said: “It’s what every footballer wants, to represent the 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” he told the club’s official website.
“I was also very happy he could come to watch me play for the first time ever professionally in Nigeria.
“I almost scored, we didn’t win but I got to train with people that I look up to, people that I see on Instagram, I see on snapchat, I watch in the Premier League. I got to train with them and it was different, it was a good experience.”
Arokodare is having the best season of his life with 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Genk this season.
He was on target in Genk’s 4-0 win over Gent in the Belgian league playoff last week. He will be hoping to continue his run of form against Anderlecht on Sunday.
Arokodare started his career with Kash Academy in Lagos before moving on to Box2Box FC academy.
He joined his first European club in 2019 when he teamed up with Latvian club Valmiera before going out on loan to Bundesliga side Koln in 2020.
In January 2023, Arokodare joined Genk, and he has been a key player for the Belgian club.
He made two appearances for Nigeria against Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, he will be hoping to keep his place in the team in the next international window.
