Super Eagles: What Eric Chelle about Tolu Arokodare after Tanzania brace – ‘Maybe the best’

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare could be Nigeria’s best attacking option after the lanky forward scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Tanzania yesterday evening.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee came off the bench at half-time in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo and transformed Nigeria’s attack, scoring twice within eight minutes to help the hosts secure a crucial win.

His performance earned glowing praise from Chelle, who described the 25-year-old’s ability inside the penalty area as potentially unmatched among his attacking options.

“When you bring the ball into the box, he’s maybe actually the best striker,” the Super Eagles coach, who recently turned 49, said after the match as revealed by Eagles Tracker.

However, Chelle also provided an interesting explanation for why he didn’t start Arokodare from the beginning.

Tolu strikes twice for Nigeria! 🇳🇬@toluarokodare 👏 pic.twitter.com/JWtbLk9dfP

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 14, 2026

Why Chelle did not start Tolu Arokodare against Tanzania

The Franco-Malian tactician explained that his initial tactical approach required forwards capable of pressing aggressively and covering large distances.

“It depends on the profile of the player. If you want to play with high pressure, you need players who can run a lot,” Chelle explained.

“You know Tolu can run, but you also know Tolu is very tall, so to play high pressure, sometimes he cannot do it, sometimes it can be difficult, sometimes he can do it.”

The comments suggest that Arokodare’s omission was primarily a tactical decision rather than a reflection of his position in the squad.

At 1.97 metres tall, the Ajax forward offers a different physical profile from the more mobile attackers Chelle wanted to use in his initial pressing system.

However, the former Genk striker is keen to correct that flaw in his game, as he explained in the lessons he learned from ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst.

How the tactical switch unlocked Arokodare

Chelle revealed that Nigeria changed their formation to a flat 4-4-2 after the interval, adopting a more direct approach that allowed Arokodare to operate closer to the penalty area.

“When he came on, we played a 4-4-2 flat, and our game was more direct,” the coach explained.

He added that Nigeria looked to exploit the wide areas with Moses Usor and Moses Simon, create one-on-one situations and deliver crosses into the box, where Arokodare could use his physical strength, and that adjustment was decisive.

The striker restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute before completing his brace eight minutes later, converting Moses Usor’s delivery.

Chelle was delighted with the forward’s contribution but insisted that the team must immediately turn its attention to the return fixture.

“He did well, I’m happy for him, but once again, we have a second game to play, and we’re focused on that,” the Super Eagles coach concluded.

Arokodare could start for Super Eagles Zanzibar

Arokodare’s brace gives Chelle an important selection decision ahead of Tuesday’s return encounter.

The striker has demonstrated that Nigeria can benefit from a more direct attacking approach, especially when opponents defend deep and allow deliveries into the penalty area.

With Victor Osimhen still unavailable, Arokodare has an opportunity to establish himself as a central figure in Nigeria’s attack.

However, Chelle’s explanation also suggests that his starting position will depend on the tactical demands of each match.

The coach now knows he has a forward capable of changing games when Nigeria need a physical presence and threat inside the 18-yard box.