Super Eagles Coach Reveals Arokodare’s Biggest Strength After Match-Winning Brace

According to a report by Soccernet on Saturday November 14, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has showered praise on Tolu Arokodare after his impressive second-half brace helped Nigeria secure a 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The Ajax striker delivered an outstanding performance after entering the contest at halftime, scoring twice to help the Super Eagles claim all three points against the Taifa Stars.

Arokodare replaced Alhassan Yusuf at the beginning of the second half, with Chelle explaining that his decision was influenced by the striker’s physical qualities and ability to trouble opposing defenders.

The Malian manager highlighted Arokodare’s running power, aerial presence and ability to lead attacking pressure, although he acknowledged that the forward’s height can sometimes make intensive pressing challenging.

Chelle explained: “It depends on the player’s profile. When you want to apply high pressure, you need players capable of running a lot. Tolu can run, but because he is very tall, sometimes it becomes difficult for him.”

The Super Eagles coach further revealed that Nigeria adopted a more direct attacking approach after switching to a flat 4-4-2 formation, allowing the team to maximise Arokodare’s qualities inside the penalty area.

He explained that Nigeria focused on using the wide areas, creating one-on-one situations and delivering crosses into dangerous positions where the striker could utilise his physical strength.

Chelle added: “When we played the flat 4-4-2, our approach became more direct, just as we did in the second half. We used the wings to create one-on-one situations and deliver crosses because Tolu’s greatest strength is inside the box.”

The tactician was particularly impressed with Arokodare’s ability to attack deliveries into the penalty area, suggesting that the striker could be the best in the world when presented with such opportunities.

He concluded: “When you put the ball inside the box, perhaps he is currently the best striker. He performed well, and I am happy for him, but we still have another game to play.”

Following his match-winning contribution, Arokodare will be determined to maintain his impressive form when Nigeria meet Tanzania again in the return fixture.

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