Arokodare Faces New Issue at Wolverhampton

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is in trouble again at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Reports say he caused a disruption during a training session after arguing with the coaching staff.

Wolves correspondent Nathan Judah shared on X that training at Compton Park was cancelled because Arokodare allegedly refused to leave the pitch. He was told not to train with the first team. Judah wrote: “EXCL🚨: Understand Wolves training was cancelled yesterday following Tolu Arokodare’s refusal to leave the pitch when asked not to train with the squad. Cesar Peixoto seemingly not tolerating ‘player power’ & poor discipline levels.”

To keep Arokodare away, the club brought in extra security to Compton Park. He will not travel with the team to face Maidenhead United. At the time of this report, neither Wolves nor Arokodare had commented.

This situation raises questions about the Nigerian forward’s future at Molineux. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Serie A team Fiorentina has made an offer of about ₦40.64 billion (£22 million). This deal is structured as a loan with an option or obligation to buy. The 25-year-old is also linked to clubs in Belgium, France, and Turkey, but there are no confirmed agreements yet.

If this incident is true, it would add to the striker’s disciplinary issues. He was reportedly involved in a fight with teammate Mateus Mane during a tough season for Wolves, which ended with relegation from the Premier League. Rob Edwards, the Wolves manager at the time, said the issue had been settled. “That was a couple of weeks ago. Not uncommon. We dealt with it, and we have moved on from it,” Edwards told the media. “There is a lot of passion, and sometimes things can get physical. We have a group that cares. They are a tight group, and sometimes things can spill over. I’ve got no problem with any of the individuals.”

This action against Arokodare fits Peixoto’s strict management style. After he was appointed, the Portuguese coach made it clear what he expects from his players. “Firstly, I’m a very demanding coach,” Peixoto said. “But, I believe in giving others maximum freedom and maximum responsibility. I want us to work as a team and as a unit and build a good environment.”

The timing of this dispute could lead to more scrutiny for Wolves. FIFA recently updated its player protection rules. Last month, FIFA, along with the global players’ union FIFPRO, made big changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). These changes include reforms to Article 17 to stop clubs from isolating players to force transfers.

With the new rules, clubs can no longer make contracted players train away from the first team or put them in “bomb squads” to pressure them into moving. Players should keep training with the senior team unless there is a real sporting reason or a documented medical issue.

If FIFA finds that a club has broken these rules, players can still receive their salaries and benefits. They might also be able to end their contracts and leave for free in certain cases. Clubs that violate the rules may face financial penalties, transfer bans, and more. Unpaid wages could also incur an automatic 8% interest.

There is no indication that Wolves have broken the new rules. But excluding Arokodare from first-team training, if confirmed and lacking a genuine sporting reason, could attract FIFA’s attention.

Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian team KRC Genk in the summer of 2025. His first season was disappointing, as the club was relegated. He scored six goals in 38 games across all competitions. He has also fallen out of Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With the summer transfer window still open and speculation about his future growing, this latest issue adds to the uncertainty around the Nigerian striker’s time at Molineux.