Tolu Arokodare: Visa problems nearly ended striker’s football career before Trabzonspor move

Tolu Arokodare says a series of visa problems came close to ending his professional football career, despite interest from several European clubs.

The Super Eagles striker said difficulties obtaining a green card and securing the necessary travel documents prevented him from completing a number of proposed transfers.

French club Toulouse were among the teams interested in signing the Nigerian forward, but the move fell through after his visa application was rejected.

Arokodare also credited former Super Eagles team-mate Victor Osimhen with helping him secure an offer from Belgian club Charleroi. However, he was refused a visa for that move as well.

Latvian club Valmiera later expressed an interest in signing him, but the absence of a Latvian embassy in Nigeria created another barrier and prevented the transfer from going ahead.

The repeated setbacks left Arokodare uncertain about whether he would be able to continue pursuing a career abroad.

“I almost lost the opportunity to play football because of my green card. Toulouse wanted to sign me, but I was denied a visa,” he said.

“Victor Osimhen helped me secure an offer from Charleroi, but I was denied again. Valmiera also wanted me, but there was no Latvian embassy in Nigeria.”

His eventual move to Trabzonspor in Turkey followed advice from fellow Nigerian striker Victor Boniface.

Arokodare said Trabzonspor’s proposal proved decisive, with the club offering him three times his previous salary. He added that the Turkish side also promised to bring his family to Turkey and provide jobs for his brothers.

“When Trabzonspor wanted to sign me, I sought advice from Victor Boniface. They offered me three times my salary, promised to bring my family to Turkey and give my brothers jobs,” Arokodare said.

The striker’s account illustrates the administrative difficulties that can prevent African players from taking up opportunities in European football, even after attracting interest from clubs.

For Arokodare, the visa rejections threatened to derail his ambitions but ultimately became part of a journey that continued through several potential moves before he joined Trabzonspor.

His experience also highlights the importance of support from fellow players when young footballers are dealing with the practical challenges of building a professional career abroad.