Arokodare shares fitness update before Madagascar match

Tolu Arokodare has said he is still working to get back to full fitness ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He scored after coming off the bench for Ajax against Excelsior on Saturday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 25-year-old striker missed Ajax’s last game against Willem II due to being sick. He came on in the 62nd minute during the 2-2 draw and scored just two minutes later.

But even with his quick goal, Arokodare admitted after the match that he was still feeling the effects of his illness. He struggled physically during his short time on the pitch.

“You could see after five or six minutes that I was hunched over because I was tired. I needed this match to realise that I am not yet 100 per cent fit. I still feel weak,” Arokodare said, as reported by AjaxLife.

“I haven’t recovered as much as I thought. I wanted to start, but I don’t think I could have. We had a tactical training session in the morning and my legs were weak. I was dead after five or six minutes into the match.”

The goal against Excelsior brought Arokodare’s total to three goals in six Eredivisie games, plus one assist. He has scored seven goals in 12 matches across all competitions since joining Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His good form has earned him a call back to the Super Eagles for their first two 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, then travel to Bissau four days later.

Arokodare's fitness will be watched closely as he returns to the national team. He last played for Nigeria against DR Congo in November 2025.

He missed the last two international breaks, including the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

With competition for places in the Super Eagles forward line and Victor Osimhen's fitness still a worry, Arokodare’s strong start at Ajax has made his case stronger for a key role under coach Éric Chelle.

Arokodare knows he must first get fully fit before focusing on the national team.

“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he said.

Nigeria’s first AFCON qualifier against Madagascar is set for Friday in Uyo. The Super Eagles will then head to Guinea-Bissau for their second group match on September 29.