Arokodare shares powerful words from Osimhen, Aina, Lookman, Iwobi, 3 others after Nigeria debut

Racing Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has revealed what Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina told him after his debut for Nigeria in their 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Arokodare made his debut in the 77th minute, replacing Osimhen, who had earlier scored a brace in the first half to secure Nigeria’s crucial win in their World Cup qualification campaign.

As he stepped onto the pitch, an emotional Arokodare was seen in tears while embracing Osimhen, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

In an interview with OJBsport TV, Arokodare shed light on his emotions, explaining that the occasion was overwhelming for him.

"Personally i am not an emotional person. I don't cry, last time I cried I think it was last year. I was just overwhelmed by the entire situation i couldn't believe it," he said.

"At the start of this season, I almost left Genk and look at me now, I am playing for the national team.

"I am playing with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Lookman, Iwobi, Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, players that I watch on Instagram and I am playing alongside them. 

"And they are telling me nice game, great debut, it means a lot to me."

Arokodare also recounted his first encounter with Osimhen at the National Stadium and how that meeting shaped his career.

"I actually started crying when I hugged Victor Osimhen. Because i hugged him and I said thank you. 

"I said in an interview he has played a huge role in my life and career since the first day I met him. I don't remember the year but I met him in the national stadium main bowl."

The 24-year-old emphasized Osimhen’s profound impact on his development, citing his words of encouragement, generosity, and inspiring performances.

"Since that day, with his words, the gifts, and actions and me just watching him he's played a huge role in my life and I am very grateful to him. Even inside the dressing room i hugged him and said thank you.

"He is more than a teammate and a friend. I also said he is my idol but at this point he is my big brother."

Arokodare is currently enjoying a remarkable campaign with Genk in Belgium, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists in 35 matches across all competitions.

His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles and ultimately his senior debut for Nigeria.

Reflecting on his debut, he dedicated the moment to his father, who played a significant role in his journey to professional football.

"I am speechless you know. If I was to put it in words is just to say thank you to God and my dad.

"My dad, my brothers, my family, my mom but most especially my dad because he kind of like dedicated is whole life to my football career and i know this is the one thing he's wanted the most out of everything. 

"It means a lot to me that he is still a live to witness this."

Arokodare will be hoping for another opportunity to shine in Nigeria’s next fixture against Zimbabwe, where he could get the chance to score his first international goal.

Adeyemi Adewale

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