Tolu Arokodare was playing for Valmiera in Latvia when he stormed into the ESPN Nigeria Player Power Rankings in August; less than two weeks later, his form had been recognised more widely and he had joined German Bundesliga club FC Cologne.
The move, a one-year loan deal with an option to buy, marked a remarkable change in fortune for a player who had been looking to force a transfer not quite a month earlier.
Having sealed the move to Germany, and made his debut in a 14-minute cameo, Arokodare wants to win trophies for his modest new club.
“My goal has always been to give my best for my team, have a good season and develop my game,” Arokodare told ESPN.
“Now, I want us to stay in the Bundesliga and compete and win one of the cups. The aim is to be the best we can be and do my best for the team.”
It was only in August that Arokodare, 19, tried to force a move away from Valmiera to join Anderlecht. The Latvian club rejected Anderlecht’s reported offer of 1.5 million euros for Arokodare’s services, leading to a standoff between the 198cm striker and his employers. A conversation between both parties eventually resolved the issue, and Arokodare returned to the field and scored eight goals in six matches.
Not only did his performances grab attention across Europe, they also saw him break into the ESPN Nigeria Power Rankings at No. 1 — which left him stunned.
“I was surprised,” he told ESPN.
“But I was just really happy to be on that list, and to be No. 1; I’m really grateful.”
Arokodare was surprised again when Cologne moved so quickly.
“I have always known if I work hard the opportunities will come,” he said.
“But the speed at which it happened, that was a surprise for me. It is good to know that they wanted me and acted quickly as well.”
Arokodare teams up in Cologne with compatriot Kingsley Ehizibue, who only recently switched his international allegiance to Nigeria; the fullback is yet to play for the Super Eagles, but already he is showing that he bleeds green and white by helping the new boy settle in Germany.
Source: ESPN
