‘Tolu is doing well’ – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar praises Tolu Arokodare’s Eredivisie resurgence

Former Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has praised Tolu Arokodare’s impressive start to the season, describing the Nigerian forward as a dangerous focal point for opposition defences.

Arokodare has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since moving to an Eredivisie club on loan from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old has quickly put his difficult Premier League spell behind him, rediscovering the form that previously made him one of the most feared forwards in Belgian football.

Since making the switch, Arokodare has scored six goals and provided two assists in nine appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as an important attacking outlet for his new club.

His performances have also attracted praise from Huntelaar, who believes the Nigeria international presents a significant problem for defenders when he leads the line.

Speaking on Voetbal International’s Pak Schaal Podcast, the former Netherlands international highlighted Arokodare’s ability to influence matches through his physical presence and goalscoring threat.

“I think Tolu is doing well. He has scored his goals and is dangerous as a focal point when he is on the pitch,” Huntelaar said.

Arokodare earns Super Eagles recall

The striker’s excellent club form earned him a return to the Nigeria squad for the September international window, as the Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Arokodare was included for Nigeria’s qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, giving him an opportunity to carry his club momentum onto the international stage.

However, the forward was unable to reproduce his goalscoring exploits for the Super Eagles.

He featured in both matches but failed to find the net, leaving him without a goal from Nigeria’s September qualifiers despite arriving in camp in impressive form.

Nigeria nevertheless made a winning start to their qualifying campaign, securing a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before facing Guinea-Bissau.

Wolves loanee targets return to scoring form

Arokodare will now turn his attention back to club football following the international break, with his immediate objective likely to be extending the strong run that has made him one of the standout performers in the Eredivisie so far this season.

His revival comes after a challenging period in England, where he struggled to establish himself following his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The loan move has provided the striker with an opportunity to regain confidence and regular playing time, and his early numbers suggest he is making the most of it.

With six goals and two assists already to his name, Arokodare has given his club a reliable attacking presence while also forcing his way back into the Super Eagles picture.

Huntelaar’s assessment further underlines the threat the Nigerian presents when operating as the focal point of an attack.

Arokodare will now be hoping his return to domestic action brings a resumption of his scoring form as he seeks to maintain his place among Nigeria’s attacking options.