Super Eagles' World Cup hopeful opens up about his struggles with professionalism in football

• Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has admitted that professionalism is his biggest area for improvement despite leading the Belgian Jupiler Pro League in goals
• The 24-year-old forward confessed that his openness and tendency to talk too much have sometimes been a disadvantage in his career
• With an honest self-assessment, Arokodare looks to take his game to the next level on both domestic and international front

Despite leading the Belgian Jupiler Pro League’s scoring charts, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has admitted that professionalism remains his biggest area for improvement. 

The Genk forward, who is nearing the end of a prolific season, reflected on his personal and professional growth in an eye-opening interview.

Arokodare’s revelation comes at an important moment as he prepares to represent Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Having been named in the Super Eagles’ final squad, his performances have not gone unnoticed. 

However, the 24-year-old remains self-critical, acknowledging that he still has significant strides to make in his development,

“Although I am certainly not where I want and need to be, because if I am honest with myself, my professionalism is one of my biggest areas of improvement,” Arokodare said.

While his goal-scoring ability has made him a standout performer in Belgium, Arokodare offered a rare glimpse into his personal struggles, admitting that his openness and eagerness to engage with others have sometimes worked against him,

“I always think that everyone is my friend, but in the end that is not true. I am always talking and trying to explain things, but I really need to learn to just keep my mouth shut sometimes,” he confessed.

The forward further explained how his talkative nature might be affecting his career, suggesting that being less expressive could help him mask some of his weaknesses,

“I am convinced that my worst qualities would not be so noticeable if I chatted less often, I work very hard on it, but it is incredibly difficult. I am now 24 years old and have been very open all that time, it is extremely difficult to change something that you have been doing your whole life,” he added.

His candid self-reflection shows a level of awareness that could ultimately push him to greater heights. As he prepares to compete on the international stage, Arokodare’s willingness to address his weaknesses could also prove invaluable in his development.

With just one round of matches left in the Jupiler Pro League, the prolific forward will be looking to cap off his campaign in style before shifting his focus to national duty. 

His inclusion in Coach Eric Chelle’s final squad caps a brilliant season, as he aims to continue to make an impact for both club and country.

“I rushed to meet his dad,” Ex-NFF boss Pinnick reflects on convincing Lookman to join Super Eagles

Previously, TheRadar reported that Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the extensive efforts that culminated in Ademola Lookman’s first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in March 2022. 

The revelation comes after Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16 in Morocco, a milestone Pinnick regards as validation of the groundwork laid during his tenure.