Arokodare ends Nigeria goal drought with Tanzania double

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare says his commitment to Nigeria and his love of football drive him to deliver whenever he is selected.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the second half and scored twice as Nigeria beat Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo on Friday.

Arokodare’s brace ended his wait for a goal at international level and provided a timely response to criticism of his earlier performances for the national team.

The former Genk striker said his motivation was straightforward: to carry out his responsibilities on the pitch, whether representing his club or his country.

“The motivation comes from doing my work. My job is to play football and I enjoy playing football,” Arokodare told Dangolo Way.

“I had to do my job whenever I am called upon for my club or my country. Whenever I am on the pitch I have a job to do and that’s my motivation.”

Arokodare added that he aims to make himself, his team-mates and Nigeria’s supporters happy, whether by scoring or making another contribution to the team.

“I try to make myself, my team and the fans happy by scoring goals or helping the team in whatever way I can,” he said.

The striker also described representing Nigeria as a deeply personal responsibility, pointing to his family’s roots and his connection with the country.

“It means everything to me. It is where I am from, it is my country, it is where my whole family comes from. Nigeria is my life so it means everything to me,” he said.

Arokodare will now look to continue his improved form when the Super Eagles face the Taifa Stars again in the return leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

His two goals against Tanzania have restored his momentum with the national side after a difficult run of appearances and underlined his ability to make an impact after being introduced from the bench.

The result in Uyo gave Nigeria a convincing victory, with Arokodare providing the decisive contribution after entering the game in the second half.