Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has disclosed that he is yet to regain full fitness as he joins the Nigerian national team ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The towering striker, who has been recovering from the lingering physical effects of a recent bout of fever, admitted that he is still struggling to return to his peak condition and match sharpness.
Although Arokodare remains eager to contribute to the national team, his latest fitness update could influence the Super Eagles’ preparations for the crucial qualifying double-header.
Tolu Arokodare Opens Up on Fitness Struggles
Speaking about his current physical condition in a conversation with AjaxLife, Arokodare explained that his return to full training has been more challenging than anticipated.
The forward revealed that he struggled with fatigue during a recent match, realizing that he had not yet recovered sufficiently to perform at his best.
“You could see after five or six minutes that I was hunched over because I was tired. I needed this match to realize that I am not yet 100 percent fit. I still feel weak,” Arokodare said, according to AjaxLife.
The Nigerian striker further explained that he had hoped to start the game but was unable to do so because of the physical demands of training earlier in the day.
“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.”
Despite his difficulties, Arokodare expressed satisfaction at being able to make an appearance and voiced hope that he would regain full fitness during the international break.
“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he added.
Fitness Update Raises Questions Ahead of Nigeria’s Qualifiers
Arokodare’s admission comes as the Super Eagles prepare for important 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
With the national team seeking to secure vital points in the qualification campaign, the striker’s physical condition could become a consideration for the coaching staff as they assess their attacking options.
His ability to train consistently and recover fully will help determine whether he can play a significant role in the upcoming fixtures or requires a more carefully managed workload.
However, there is no confirmation in the provided report regarding whether Arokodare will start, feature as a substitute, or miss either fixture. His final availability will depend on his recovery and the technical team’s assessment.
Super Eagles Await Arokodare’s Full Recovery
Arokodare’s physical presence and attacking abilities make his fitness a factor worth monitoring as Nigeria prepares for its AFCON qualifying commitments.
The striker will be hoping to use the international break to overcome the effects of his recent illness, regain his strength, and return to full match fitness.
The Super Eagles coaching staff will continue to assess his condition as preparations intensify for the encounters with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Note: The quoted statements and match context are based on the material provided. The specific fixture dates, Arokodare’s latest medical assessment, and confirmed squad selection have not been independently verified here.