By Frank Ulom
LONDON (CONVERSEER) – Nigerian International, Tolu Arokodare, has sent a message to Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, with a goal against Arsenal.
The forward was excluded from the Super Eagles’ squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which starts on 21 December in Morocco.
But, the striker showed his prowess in front of goal by scoring against Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium after coming on from the bench for Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was his first Premier League goal. He also becomes the first Nigerian to score a Premier League goal for Wolves.
It looked like Wolves were going to lose the game as usual when Bukayo Saka forced an own goal from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the 70th minute from an inswinging corner, but Arokodare stepped up in the 90th minute to level the game, heading past David Raya from Mateus Mane’s cross.
The results were never coming Wolves’ way when Saka sent a dangerous cross from the right which came off defender Yerson Mosquera into the net in the 90+4 minutes. Initially, it appeared Arsenal substitute Gabriel Jesus, making his first Emirates appearance in just under a year, had applied the decisive touch, but replays confirmed it came off Mosquera’s head.
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The late own goal sealed a hugely fortunate win for Arsenal, who were below their best but capitalised on Wolves’ misfortune. The result moves Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Manchester City, who face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Wolves, on the other hand, remained rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table with just two points in 16 games.
