Nigeria’s Tolu Arokodare opens up on relationship with Wout Weghorst

Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has opened up about his close relationship with Dutch forward Wout Weghorst, revealing that their friendship started following a conversation after Genk faced Burnley in a pre-season friendly in 2023.

Arokodare disclosed that he had admired Weghorst’s work ethic during the Dutchman’s spell at Manchester United, particularly his relentless pressing, movement off the ball and commitment to putting pressure on opposing defenders.

The Nigerian forward, who was impressed by the intensity Weghorst brought to his game, said their first meaningful interaction came when he approached the experienced striker to seek advice on improving his own pressing ability.

Speaking in an interview with ESPN NL, Arokodare explained that he was curious about how Weghorst maintained such high energy levels and physical intensity throughout matches.

“I’m a Manchester United fan. When he played there, I was very surprised by his work ethic. I was very surprised and impressed by how hard he works and his running off the ball. I went to him and asked: I’m not very good defensively when it comes to pressing; what do you do that gives you so much energy, strength and stamina? I can’t remember the exact message, but he said something like: it’s all about mentality. It’s something he had since he was a child, but he has also worked on it,” Arokodare said.

The 25-year-old added that the conversation laid the foundation for a friendship that has continued over the years, with the two forwards maintaining regular contact even when playing for different clubs.

“Since then, he and I have had that friendship and that bond. We follow each other on Instagram,” he added.

Arokodare further revealed that he turned to Weghorst for advice before completing his move to Ajax, with the Netherlands international offering positive feedback about the Amsterdam-based club.

Having played for Ajax, Weghorst was well placed to share his experience of the club, and his encouraging assessment helped Arokodare gain further insight before making his decision.

The relationship between the two strikers has also developed into an interesting connection on the pitch, although they recently found themselves on opposing sides when FC Twente hosted Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie.

The encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, with both Arokodare and Weghorst getting on the scoresheet for their respective teams.

Their goalscoring contributions underlined the attacking quality of both forwards, while the result provided another chapter in a relationship that began with a simple request for advice and has since grown into a close friendship.