Tolu Arokodare has vowed to keep finding the back of the net after opening his goalscoring account for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 2-0 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Everton at Molineux on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward, who signed from Belgian side KRC Genk on transfer deadline day, scored Wolves’ second of the evening with just three minutes of normal time remaining. It was a strike that not only secured the win but also lifted the mood around Molineux as Arokodare looks to cement his place in Gary O’Neil’s squad.
Coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Jørgen Strand Larsen, Arokodare wasted little time making his mark. In the 87th minute, he latched onto a well-weighted through ball from fellow substitute João Gomes before delicately dinking the ball over Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers. The finish displayed composure and confidence — two qualities Wolves will hope to see regularly in the coming months.
It was a welcome breakthrough for the striker, who had failed to score in his first three appearances for the club. The relief was evident in his celebration, and after the match, Arokodare took to social media to share his delight with supporters. “First goal in gold and we pray for more. Next round let’s go!! #teatime ☕️,” he posted on X.
His message resonated with Wolves fans, many of whom have been eager to see the club’s latest attacking addition make an impact. Arokodare’s arrival in the Premier League was viewed as a bold move for both player and club, and Tuesday’s goal will go some way toward silencing early doubts.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil praised the striker’s persistence and ability to seize his moment. “It was a really good finish from Tolu. He’s been working hard in training and waiting for his chance. Strikers thrive on goals, so this will do his confidence the world of good,” O’Neil said.
The victory over Everton, sealed earlier by Matheus Cunha’s opener, sent Wolves into the fourth round of the competition and provided O’Neil with a timely morale boost. The club’s Premier League form has been inconsistent, with goals proving hard to come by. Arokodare’s emergence could offer O’Neil a fresh option as Wolves look to climb the table.
For Arokodare, the challenge now will be translating his cup form into league success. The Nigerian international, who has represented his country at youth levels and harbours ambitions of breaking into the senior squad, knows that sustained performances in England’s top flight could enhance his chances. “Scoring my first goal here means a lot, but I want to build on this,” he said. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’m ready to work harder and give my best for the team.”
His journey to the Premier League has been anything but straightforward. After starting his career in Nigeria, Arokodare moved to Europe, joining Latvian side Valmiera in 2019. His goalscoring exploits there earned him a move to France with Amiens, before eventually securing a switch to Genk in Belgium. Though he impressed in the Belgian Pro League, the opportunity to play in England was one he could not refuse.
Now at Molineux, Arokodare has the platform to prove himself at the highest level. His blend of physical presence, aerial ability, and sharp finishing gives Wolves a different dimension in attack, particularly against deep-lying defences.
Wolves fans will hope that Tuesday’s strike is the first of many, with Arokodare determined to repay their faith. “The support has been amazing since I arrived,” he added. “Now it’s about giving everything on the pitch. One goal is just the start. We pray for more.”
With a place in the Carabao Cup’s last 16 secured and confidence restored, Wolves will now turn their focus back to the Premier League, where Arokodare will be desperate to continue his goalscoring momentum.
