Tolu Arokodare Releases First Statement After Crucial Goal Against Rwanda in WCQ
- Tolu Arokodare scored the only goal as Nigeria secured a vital 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
- The Amavubis were resolute, but it took substitute Arokodare just five minutes to grab the goal five minutes into the second half
- The forward, who recently completed his transfer to English Premier League club Wolverhampton, has reacted in a social media post
Tolu Arokodare was the hero as Nigeria earned a crucial victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
It was a fight-to-finish at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 6, with the Amavubis giving the Super Eagles a scare.
Following South Africa's win over Lesotho, anything short of victory for Nigeria over Rwanda will see the Eagles drop out of the race.
Source: Getty Images
It was a goalless first half as Nigeria also lost Victor Osimhen to an injury, with the striker getting substituted in the 35th minute.
Arokodare was introduced at the start of the second half, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker scored the only goal in the 50th minute.
The 24-year-old capitalised on a goalmouth scramble before flicking home under the crossbar to send the fans into the wilds, per BBC Sport.
It was his second goal in his fifth international appearance for Nigeria, having opened his account in a friendly against Russia back in June.
After the game, the forward disclosed that it is not the time to celebrate as there is still a lot ahead. He wrote on Instagram:
"Three points! We keep pushing, job’s not finished #teatime."
Meanwhile, fans have taken to the comment section of the post to applaud the forward, who was named man-of-the-match.
anibestkitchen said:
"It's a mother answered prayers, go tolu your crown is now with you nkw, this is the begining of a new testimony in your life.
"o nigeria soccer new leader, Congrats new incoming hottest nigeria player."
harbyordhun added:
"Love you man, bring us the World Cup slot."
femwils suggested:
"Thank you guys. WC hope is still much alive. That goal was so crucial. Great striker, good positioning and excellent instinct. Wolves got a good deal. Southy go collect."
_hustlepayz posited:
"Dem go switch side now all those our Nigerian celebrities na who Dey hot dem Dey follow #Teatime."
"No let am enter your head God will keep blessing you #Goodfight. Keep going."
The Super Eagles take a trip to Bloemfontein, where they will take on South Africa in another must-win fixture. Victor Osimhen will miss the clash due to the injury he suffered against the Amavubis.
Source: Getty Images
Bafana Bafana top the group with 16 points, Benin are second with 11, while the Super Eagles are third with 10 points.
Osimhe out of South Africa clash
Legit.ng earlier reported that Victor Osimhen woke up feeling discomfort due to the injury, while the doctor advised that he should not travel with the team for the all-important clash in South Africa. The statement reads:
"Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game."
Source: Legit.ng
