Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare has already made his mark, scoring his first goal in a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup against Everton. For the 24-year-old Nigerian, it was more than just a smart finish; it was the latest milestone in a remarkable journey that has taken him from Lagos to Latvia, Belgium, and now the Premier League.
“What a way to score my first goal,” Arokodare told Sky Sports. “I was going far corner but changed my mind at the last second. If it didn’t work, they’d have killed me,” he laughed.
Tea time celebration
The celebration that followed, with him miming the act of sipping tea, has become his trademark, a nod to his initials. It began in France with Amiens, but now it’s being copied by fans in Nigeria and teammates at Molineux. “Whenever I score, it is TEA time,” he smiled.
A winding road to the Premier League
Arokodare's path to the Premier League has not been straightforward. Visa issues denied him moves to France and Germany before a life-changing spell in Latvia opened the door to European football. Struggles in the Bundesliga with Köln tested his resolve, but his time at Genk reignited his career, where he finished as top scorer in Belgium, earning the Ebony Shoe award.
Using his voice beyond football
Away from the football pitch, Arokodare has used his platform to speak openly about mental health and encourage fans who feel isolated. “I wanted to use my reach to show love and support,” he said. “I didn’t know it would go as far as it did.”
Tolu Arokodare's story is one of persistence, resilience, and belief. From uncertainty of trials and setbacks to the spotlight of the Premier League, he has embraced every challenge with determination and character. Now, with his first Wolves goal under his belt and a growing bond with fans, Arokodare looks ready to write the next chapter of his journey. If his mix of physicality, personality, and positivity is anything to go by, Wolves may have unearthed not just a striker, but a new fan favourite at Molineux.
