‘I’m not 100% fit’ – Tolu Arokodare raises Super Eagles fitness concern ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Tolu Arokodare has admitted he is not yet fully fit ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, despite scoring immediately after coming off the bench for Ajax against Excelsior.

The 25-year-old striker made his return to action on Saturday after missing Ajax’s previous game with a severe fever, but revealed he is still feeling the effects of the illness.

Arokodare entered the game in the 62nd minute at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, replacing Kasper Dolberg with Ajax trailing 2-1 following Aymen Sliti’s goal.

He needed just two minutes to make his presence felt, connecting with Oscar Gloukh’s pass inside the six-yard box before finishing to restore parity.

The goal was his sixth in nine appearances across all competitions since joining Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan.

However, his impressive scoring return was overshadowed by concerns over his physical condition.

‘I still feel weak’

Arokodare acknowledged after the match that he struggled physically during his brief spell on the pitch, despite making an immediate impact.

“You could see after five or six minutes that I was hunched over because I was tired. I needed this match to realize that I am not yet 100 percent fit. I still feel weak,” he said as per AjaxLife.

The forward also revealed that he had hoped to start but was unable to do so after feeling the effects of training earlier in the day.

“I haven’t recovered as much as I thought. I wanted to start, but I don’t think I could have. We had a tactical training session in the morning and my legs were weak. I was dead after five or six minutes into the match.”

Ajax ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw despite dominating possession and registering 33 attempts.

Osimhen absence increases pressure

Arokodare’s fitness comes under greater scrutiny with Nigeria preparing for two crucial AFCON qualifiers later this month.

Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle included him in his 24-man squad for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with Nigeria hosting Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The striker could have an increased role following Victor Osimhen’s withdrawal from the squad after suffering a right adductor injury while playing for Galatasaray on September 4.

Arokodare is therefore among the forwards expected to compete for a starting role alongside Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams.

His recall comes after he missed Nigeria’s previous two international windows and the 2025 AFCON. His last appearance for the Super Eagles came against DR Congo in November 2025.

Arokodare targets full recovery

Despite his fitness concerns, Arokodare has enjoyed an encouraging start to life at Ajax, recording six goals and two assists in nine appearances.

He now hopes the international break will give him enough time to recover fully before Nigeria’s qualifiers.

“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he said.

With Nigeria facing two competitive fixtures within four days, Arokodare’s recovery will be closely monitored as Chelle assesses his attacking options.