Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has compared representing Nigeria to turning out for Real Madrid, describing his international debut as a moment of pride.
In an interview with Jeje Sports via Punch, Tolu Arokodare said wearing the green and white for the first time delivered a rush he had never experienced in club football.
“I was very happy, the first time I got the call-up, when I saw it, I texted my brother and I called my managers in Nigeria. I was really delighted because getting called up to play for the Super Eagles is such a big honour, and I was genuinely happy,” he said.
He added that singing the national anthem before kick-off left him overwhelmed.
“Then the first time singing the national anthem, the new one, I had goosebumps all over. I could not wait. I was not even really thinking that I would play, I was just telling myself to enjoy the moment,” Arokodare noted.
The Wolves striker said the experience of stepping into international football felt surreal.
He said, “It felt like I was playing for Real Madrid, like seeing Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time and all these players for the first time. It all felt brand new to me because throughout my whole professional career before that, I had only been playing club football, so that experience was very special.”
The striker also reflected on missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations, admitting he was disappointed but realistic about his form.
“I am human, so I was sad, but I did not beat myself up about it. I was not devastated. I was not thinking I desperately should have gone because, like I said, I was not having the best of seasons,” he said.
Nigeria went on to finish third at the tournament, a result he described as historic and worthy of pride.
Away from international duty, Arokodare spoke about the pressure of relegation at Wolverhampton Wanderers and the racist abuse he has faced online, insisting he focuses only on performance and team contribution.
“I try not to think about or focus on what people say around me. I think about how I want to play, how I want to perform, and how I can help the team.”
He also offered support to injured teammate Victor Boniface, calling his absence “sad to see” and expressing hope for a strong return.
“We miss watching his goals, we miss watching him play because he is a beautiful footballer.”
