Arokodare ready to lead Nigeria’s attack against Tanzania

Tolu Arokodare says scoring goals is his responsibility as Nigeria prepare to face Tanzania in a crucial Group L qualifier in Uyo on Friday.

The Ajax forward is expected to start in place of Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from knee surgery, and says he understands what is required of him in the Super Eagles attack.

“I need to score goals,” Arokodare said, with Nigeria needing victory after their previous international window ended in a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau. That result left them second in the group.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals for Ajax in the Dutch league and the UEFA Conference League this season. His club form has made him the leading candidate to replace Osimhen in Eric Chelle’s side.

Arokodare spoke to reporters in Uyo and also discussed his situation in a video posted on Instagram. He acknowledged that his strong run for Ajax has not yet been matched by his record in Nigeria’s green and white.

The forward said ending that international scoring drought was something he was addressing both mentally and physically. His comments came after a period in which he had been scoring regularly for his club, including in the UEFA Conference League against FC Midtjylland and in a match against Atalanta.

Competition for Nigeria’s number nine role

Chelle has several alternatives available in his 24-man squad. Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi are also options, while Adams started Nigeria’s friendly against Russia last month.

Arokodare’s 13 goals represent a sustained return over the season rather than a short-lived run of form. His effectiveness has come from repeatedly finding scoring positions, a quality Nigeria may need against Tanzania.

Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts and can afford to defend deeply, making Arokodare’s movement and persistence in the penalty area particularly important. His capacity to continue arriving in dangerous positions could prove more significant than one isolated piece of individual quality.

However, his club performances have yet to be fully reproduced at international level. The fact that he admits the goal drought is on his mind underlines the pressure on him to respond quickly. His first clear opportunity in Uyo could be an early indication of how confidently he has made the transition from Ajax to Nigeria.

A goal would strengthen Arokodare’s claim to remain Nigeria’s first-choice number nine for the rest of the campaign. Failure to score would increase the pressure for Kelechi Iheanacho and the other contenders, with Nigeria due to return to action against Tanzania on Tuesday.

Kick-off in Uyo is at 17:00 WAT.