Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The 25-year-old recently recovered from a fever and admitted that he is yet to regain full strength after returning to action for Ajax.
Arokodare came on as a substitute in Ajax’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior on Saturday and scored just two minutes after entering the game. However, he later revealed that the match showed him that he was not yet fully fit.
“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 told ESPN.
“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 striker said he hopes to use the international break to complete his recovery and become available for Nigeria.
“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he added.
Arokodare’s condition will be monitored by the Super Eagles technical crew as Nigeria prepare for two qualifying matches within four days.
Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second fixture on September 29.
The fitness concern comes at a difficult time for head coach Éric Chelle, with Victor Osimhen unavailable because of injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement.
Arokodare is therefore one of the options available to lead Nigeria’s attack alongside Awoniyi and Akor Adams.
Madagascar arrive in Uyo
Madagascar have arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday’s qualifying match against Nigeria.
The Barea landed at Victor Attah International Airport at about 2:05pm on Monday with a 28-member delegation of players and officials before heading to their hotel.
More members of the delegation are expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Coach Corentin Martins’ team will be looking to start their qualifying campaign with a positive result against Nigeria before returning home to face Tanzania four days later.
Madagascar will also take confidence from their last competitive meeting with Nigeria. The Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
They also reached the final of the recent African Nations Championship, adding to their confidence ahead of the trip to Uyo.
With the two teams now preparing for Friday’s encounter, Arokodare’s recovery will be closely monitored by the Super Eagles as Chelle works on his plans for the match.
