RKC Genk striker Emmanuel Tolu Arokodare has described his debut for the Super Eagles as a deeply emotional moment, one that he views as a fitting reward to his father for his unwavering support throughout his football journey.
Arokodare, who made his national team debut in the second half of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday, March 21, admitted that despite not being an emotional person, he couldn’t hold back tears of joy when he was handed his first cap.
Though he did not score in the 2-1 away win at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the 24-year-old forward expressed that playing for Nigeria was a dream come true.
The towering striker, who has netted 19 goals in 35 appearances for Genk in the Belgian Jupiler League, revealed that he was still in disbelief over the milestone.
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“I’m speechless. I have no words to speak about my feelings, But if I were to put it into words, I would just say thank you to God and my dad. I also want to thank my mum, my brothers, and my family, who all backed me to reach here,” Arokodare confessed
Arokodare’s journey to the Super Eagles has been a long one, beginning in FESTAC Town, Lagos, where he played for Kash FC and Marshall Mbre’s Flying Sports Academy.
He also had stints with Valmiera of Latvia, FC Cologne of Germany, and Amiens of France before landing at Genk.
Despite the different chapters in his career, the striker noted that the moment he was called up to represent Nigeria was special, especially as his father, who dedicated so much to his football career, was alive to witness his debut.
“My dad dedicated his whole life to my football career, and this is one thing he had wanted the most out of everything, That’s why this means so much to me. To have him here, alive, to see me play for Nigeria, is beyond what words can express,” Arokodare reflected.
While Arokodare may not be known for showing emotion, the weight of the moment was not lost on him.
“Although I’m not an emotional person and I hardly cry, I was really overwhelmed by the whole situation, I couldn’t believe it,” he added.
The Genk forward also shared the awe he feels being alongside Super Eagles stars he once admired from a distance.
Arokodare noted that at the beginning of the season, he was on the verge of leaving Genk, but now finds himself playing alongside top-tier players such as Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and William Troost-Ekong.
“To imagine that, at the start of this season, I almost left Genk. But look at me now, playing in the national team… with the likes of Osimhen, Boniface, Lookman, Iwobi, Troost-Ekong, Aina, and Bassey, I’m now playing with so many top players who I used to watch on Instagram. This is simply amazing,” Arokodare beamed.
