Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Sudesh Singh has shed light on the circumstances that led to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare’s omission from the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Although initially included in the provisional squad, the former Racing Genk forward was omitted from the travelling party to Morocco, with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle choosing to give greenhorn Salim Fago Lawal the nod over Arokodare. 

It marked the first time since Chelle took over the managerial reins that Arokodare was not called up for international duty, having netted two goals in ten appearances with the Malian tactician in the dugout. 

Both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arokodare have struggled for form and consistency this season, with the West Midlands club languishing at the bottom of the Premier League and the striker managing just one goal in 20 top-flight appearances.

Arokodare's teammate at Wolves, Marshall Munetsi, was sensationally dropped from Zimbabwe's final Afcon squad despite his willingness to represent the Warriors. 

Sudesh Singh indicated that Arokodare was not named in the Super Eagles squad because he was not a guaranteed starter at Wolves following his summer move from Genk.

Speaking on SuperSport's Soccer Africa, he said: "Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare didn't make the Afcon team because he fell out of favour. He was one of those who moved when Marshall moved.

"There were three of them who moved over to Wolves and they all fell out of favour."

Interestingly, Arokodare benefited from his omission from the Africa Cup of Nations squad, starting in five of a possible six Premier League matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel