Eric Chelle has named Tolu Arokodare as the Super Eagles’ best striker when the ball is in the box, after the Ajax forward came off the bench to score twice in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday.
The 25-year-old changed the game in Uyo. Nigeria led inside two minutes through Alhassan Yusuf, but Alphonce Msanga levelled before the break. Arokodare’s half-time introduction turned it around, and his two goals in eight minutes settled it.
Why Chelle turned to Arokodare at half-time
Chelle said the change was tactical: Arokodare’s height and build suit a direct approach, even if they make a high press harder for him.
“You know Tolu can run but he is very tall, so to make a high pressure, sometimes he can do it but sometimes it can be difficult for him,” Chelle said.
So Nigeria went flatter and more direct after the break, feeding crosses where Arokodare does his best work.
“After that when we play 4-4-2 flat, our game is more direct. Like we did in the second half, our game was more direct,” the coach said. “We pass by the side to make a one-on-one to have a cross and Tolu his strength is in the box.”
It worked at once. Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a backheel from Wilfred Ndidi’s delivery, then doubled his tally eight minutes later from Moses Usor’s cross.
‘Maybe actually he is the best striker’
After the final whistle, Chelle was effusive about the Ajax striker, stopping short of naming him a certain starter for Tuesday.
“When you put the ball inside the box, maybe actually he is the best striker. He did well and I am happy for him but once again we have a second game,” Chelle said.
The coach also pointed to three qualities behind the cameo: quality, confidence and determination.
“Tolu showed exactly why we brought him into this team. Coming off the bench and scoring twice takes quality, confidence and determination. He gave us a different attacking threat and made a huge impact when the team needed him,” he said.
The brace extended a fine run: five straight scoring appearances for Ajax before the break, 13 goals this season, and now six successive scoring matches for club and country. He has four international goals in 13 appearances since his 2025 debut.
What it means for Zanzibar
The timing suits Chelle. With Ademola Lookman ruled out of the return leg with a knee ligament sprain and Victor Osimhen still recovering from knee surgery, Arokodare is firmly in the frame to lead the line in Zanzibar on Tuesday — unlike Akor Adams, who drew a mixed verdict from Chelle after missing chances in Uyo.
Nigeria sit second in Group L on six points, one behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, with Tanzania already guaranteed a finals place as co-hosts. The return leg kicks off at 14:00 WAT on Tuesday at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, and Chelle has warned that the Uyo win counts for little unless they repeat it.
“We have to go to Tanzania to win the next game. The most important is the next game,” he said.
For more on the qualifiers, check today’s predictions.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, Mtjonenfa) — collage by SportsBuddy.
