Olaleye Idowu
Super Eagles striker, Tolu Arokodare, has singled out the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey as the Nigerian players he “watches on Instagram.”
Arokodare made his Super Eagles debut in the 77th minute during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier 2-0 win against Rwanda on Friday.
The Racing Genk attacker replaced Osimhen, who scored two goals against Rwanda in Kigali.
As Arokodare stepped onto the pitch at the Amahoro Stadium, the 24-year-old was seen in tears while embracing Osimhen, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Speaking with OJBsport TV, Arokodare also revealed that his Super Eagles teammates told him he had a nice game against Rwanda and a great debut.
“I am not an emotional person. I don’t cry. The last time I cried, I think it was last year. I was just overwhelmed by the entire situation. I couldn’t believe it,” Arokodare 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 will now hope to feature again for Eric Chelle’s side against Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Uyo.
Arokodare also recounted his first encounter with Osimhen at the National Stadium and how that meeting shaped his career.
“I 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.”
