Sweet Valentine for TEA! 24-year-old Nigerian star bags 15th goal, sends message to Super Eagles coach

Nigeria and Super Eagles hopeful Tolu Arokodare, aka Tea.

Sweet Valentine for TEA! 24-year-old Nigerian star bags 15th goal, sends message to Super Eagles coach

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:18 - 15.02.2025

The Nigerian striker continues to make waves for his club in Belgium, hoping to break into the Super Eagles team under new coach Eric Chelle.

Nigerian giant striker Toluwase "Tea" Arokodare continued his impressive goal-scoring form, netting his 15th goal of the season and sending a clear message to the Super Eagles' new coach, Eric Chelle.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker secured a 2-1 victory for Genk against Standard Liege with a decisive 78th-minute goal on Friday night football.

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Arokodare's winning goal was a header from a cross by Jarne Steuckers1. This goal was his 15th of the season, adding to his five assists in 26 matches.

Rising Star

Arokodare's performance this season has surpassed his numbers from last season, with 17 goals and five assists in all competitions in 19 fewer matches.

Toluwase Arokodare before he netted his 15th of the season.
Toluwase Arokodare before he netted his 15th of the season.

With the latest strike against Liege, Arokodare is the leading goal scorer in the Belgian Pro League, with eight goals in 14 games.

The Nigerian, who signed for the club three seasons ago, has used his goals to help Genk to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Genk's Toluwalase Arokodare is on fire, with 20 goals contributed in 26 appearances. (Photo Credit: Genk/X)

In his 26 league appearances for Genk this term, Arokodare has averaged over five shots per game, with a 13% conversion rate.

Super Eagles Aspirations

Arokodare's form is a signal to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who recently visited Europe to visit and scout Nigerian players.

Eric Chelle and his assistant with Wilfred Ndidi.

The youngster will be hoping to finally get his chance to don the Super Eagles colours for the first time in his career under Chelle.

Tolu has already shared that he will be thrilled about an opportunity to play with Super Eagles favourites Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

Eric Chelle will determine if Tolu fits into his plans or not.

Despite his impressive form, it will be interesting to see if the giant striker fits into whatever plans the former Mali boss has for Nigeria and the Super Eagles.