Arokodare says Super Eagles debut felt like Real Madrid experience...

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has compared representing Nigeria to playing for Real Madrid, describing his international debut as a moment of immense pride.

CBI News reports that in an interview with Jeje Sports via Punch, the forward said wearing the green and white for the first time gave him a feeling he had never experienced in club football.

“I was very happy, the first time I got the call-up, when I saw it, I texted my brother and I called my managers in Nigeria. I was really delighted because getting called up to play for the Super Eagles is such a big honour, and I was genuinely happy,” he said.

Arokodare said singing the national anthem before kick-off left him overwhelmed with emotion.

“Then the first time singing the national anthem, the new one, I had goosebumps all over. I could not wait. I was not even really thinking that I would play, I was just telling myself to enjoy the moment,” he added.

The striker described his first taste of international football as surreal, likening it to playing alongside global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It felt like I was playing for Real Madrid, like seeing Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time and all these players for the first time. It all felt brand new to me because throughout my whole professional career before that, I had only been playing club football, so that experience was very special,” he said.

Reflecting on missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations, Arokodare admitted he was disappointed but realistic about his form at the time.

“I am human, so I was sad, but I did not beat myself up about it. I was not devastated. I was not thinking I desperately should have gone because, like I said, I was not having the best of seasons,” he said.

He, however, praised Nigeria’s performance at the tournament, where the team finished third, describing it as a historic achievement.

Away from international duty, the striker spoke about the pressure of relegation at Wolverhampton Wanderers and the racist abuse he has faced online.

Despite the challenges, he maintained his focus on improving his performance and helping his team.

“I try not to think about or focus on what people say around me. I think about how I want to play, how I want to perform, and how I can help the team,” he said.

Arokodare also expressed support for injured teammate Victor Boniface, describing his absence as a big loss to the team.

“We miss watching his goals, we miss watching him play because he is a beautiful footballer.”