Nigeria Players Abroad
“He is a god” — Tolu Arokodare credits coach Thorsten Fink for career turnaround

By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare has credited his club coach, Thorsten Fink, for the remarkable turnaround in his career.
Before joining Belgian Pro League side K.R.C. Genk in the 2023 winter transfer window, Arokodare had a challenging time with his previous coach, Markus Gisdol, during a season-long loan spell at FC Koln.
The 24-year-old featured in just eleven games and struggled to make an impact, falling out with the German manager.
Reflecting on his experience with Fink, Arokodare expressed immense gratitude for the coach’s support and his impact on his career. The striker shared his deep respect for Fink, revealing how their relationship extends beyond football.
“He is a god. My whole life, I’ve prayed that such a person would come my way,” Arokodare told Soccernet. “It’s like we were predestined for each other. His son recently attended a training. I told him, ‘What a great father you have!’”
Despite his previous struggles with German coaches, Arokodare’s first meeting with Fink changed everything for him. “I asked him what he wanted from me, and what I needed to change. ‘Nothing,’ he said, ‘I want you to play like this, be yourself!'”
Arokodare was shocked by Fink’s encouraging words, especially after his past negative experiences. He continued: “I did not believe my ears. I suddenly had a coach who was 100% behind me from the first day. What more could you wish for?”
The Nigerian striker also praised Fink’s humanity, stating that the coach puts people before football.
“Anyone who doesn’t know him will never believe he is German. Germans are very strict, on the military. He’s different. He’s different. He puts humanity first, before his job.”
Arokodare stressed how Fink is like a father figure to him, someone he can approach with anything, even personal matters.
“He’s like a father you can talk to about anything. Even about video games, even though he hates them: at least he will listen.”
The 24-year-old expressed his commitment to making Fink proud, saying, “He is too dear and I don’t want to disappoint him.”