Tolu Arokodare was in action yesterday for Nigeria against Rwanda, giving Wolves fans a first glimpse of what he could bring in an old gold shirt.
Arokodare was the only signing Wolves made on deadline day, and this fact left supporters disappointed.
Fans had hoped to see two or three new additions on the final day.
But in the end, the club only signed Tolu Arokodare, and his signing had actually been on the cards for a few days.
Many had wanted to see a new midfielder come in. But Jeff Shi admitted he and Vitor Pereira decided a new midfielder wasn’t necessary in the end.
But despite the feelings of frustration, Arokodare was a positive signing.
And yesterday, the big man was in action for his country.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare impresses as Nigeria beat Rwanda
Arokodare’s signing has somewhat gone under the radar.
Because his arrival was expected, and many were focused on that late chase for a new midfielder, some have not really given Arokodare too much fanfare so far.
But yesterday, he made some stand up and take note, as he scored in a 1-0 win over Rwanda in World Cup qualifying.
Arokodare came off the bench for the Super Eagles at half-time, and found the net just minutes later.
It was a scrappy goal, with the striker volleying in from point blank range in off the crossbar after seeing an initial shot saved.
The result meant Nigeria leapfrogged Rwanda to go third in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa. Nigeria face South Africa on Tuesday in what has now become a crunch match.
Nigerian media outlet Pulse Sports were fairly impressed by Arokodare against Rwanda, rating him 7/10 and saying: “The match winner came on as a halftime substitute, replacing the ineffective Frank Onyeka and was a thorn in the side of the Amavubi defence for the rest of the game.
“He used his frame to perfection, winning aerial balls and holding up play when the Super Eagles sat back to soak pressure. As stated, he had the most telling contribution in the game, his 51st-minute goal, borne out of sheer willpower.”
Soccernet gave him a 7.5 rating, saying: “The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward changed the dynamic of the Super Eagles’ attack immediately he stepped onto the pitch in the 46th minute.
“He battled for every aerial duel and eventually his attempts paid off as he scored Nigeria’s only goal tonight, his second in a Super Eagles jersey.”
Complete Sports dished out an 8/10 rating and said: “(Arokodare) Came in before the start of the second half and got the much-needed goal.
“Aside from the goal he was a handful for the Rwandan defence due to his brilliant holdup play.”
Arokodare’s contribution led to him being named the official Man of the Match.
Arokodare could be a real hit at Wolves
Arokodare has been signed for a lot of money.
It’s not all that often Wolves drop £24 million (BBC SPort) on a single player these days, so the pressure will be on for him to deliver.
But Arokodare really could shine for Wolves. He hit 23 goals last season for Genk, and one would imagine he’ll be well suited to the physicality of the Premier League.
Fans already like Arokodare’s character from the way he came across on his first day at Compton Park.
But hopefully he’ll prove to be a hit on the pitch as well, and he’ll ease the burden on Jorgen Strand Larsen.