Super Eagles: Why Arokodare has a strong case to start against Tanzania

Tolu Arokodare is in contention to start when the Super Eagles face Tanzania in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash on Friday.

The Ajax Amsterdam striker earned another call-up to the national team after also being included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the September qualifiers.

Nigeria began that qualifying window with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar but suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second game.

Arokodare featured in both matches, although he came off the bench on each occasion and had limited time to make an impact. However, with Nigeria preparing for another important qualifying fixture, the 25-year-old has a genuine opportunity to earn a starting place and show what he can offer the national team.

The Super Eagles will be without their talisman Victor Osimhen, leaving Chelle with the task of finding the right attacking combination ahead of the encounter.

While Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi are also options, there are a few reasons why Arokodare has a strong case to lead Nigeria’s attack against Tanzania.

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Why Arokodare has a strong chance of starting for Super Eagles against Tanzania

The Super Eagles face Tanzania later today in the first leg of their AFCON 2027 qualifying doubleheader at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

One major area Chelle must address is the attack, especially with Osimhen unavailable for the encounter.

The absence of the Galatasaray forward means Nigeria will need another striker to take responsibility in front of goal, and Arokodare could be handed that big role in the encounter.

1. Arokodare is in better goalscoring form than his competitors

One major advantage Arokodare has over the other available strikers, especially Akor Adams and Taiwo Awoniyi, is his recent goalscoring form.

Adams will be hoping to deliver a much-improved performance against Tanzania after struggling to make the desired impact in Nigeria’s previous two qualifiers. Awoniyi, meanwhile, has also not enjoyed the most convincing run of form at club level.

Arokodare, on the other hand, has been in impressive form since joining Ajax Amsterdam, scoring 13 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, including seven in the Eredivisie.

His goalscoring numbers give Chelle another reason to consider him for a starting role, especially with Nigeria needing someone capable of taking advantage of their opportunities in front of goal.

With Osimhen absent, Nigeria will need other attacking players to take responsibility, and the Ajax striker has the numbers to make a convincing case for that opportunity.

2. His ability to link up play and hold up the ball

Arokodare also offer several other qualities that could be useful to the Super Eagles against Tanzania apart from his recent goalscoring form.

The 25-year-old is physically strong and capable of holding up the ball, using his huge figure to protect possession and bring his teammates into play.

This quality could be very important against a Tanzania side that may look to remain compact and make things difficult for Nigeria in the final third.

Arokodare’s ability to receive the ball with his back to goal, hold off defenders and lay it off to teammates could give the Super Eagles another attacking dimension.

With the Super Eagles looking to get their AFCON qualifying campaign back on track, Arokodare has an opportunity to show that he can offer more than just a goalscoring threat.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 pm at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.