It was a night of milestones and progress for Super Eagles players in the English Football League Cup, with Tolu Arokodare grabbing the spotlight at Molineux.
The 23-year-old striker, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer from Belgian outfit Genk, opened his account for the Premier League side in style. Coming off the bench late in the second half, Arokodare struck in the 88th minute to seal a 2-0 victory over Everton in the third-round clash. His goal came after Marshall Munetsi had given Wolves the lead, and it was enough to wrap up a comfortable win in front of the home crowd.
For Arokodare, the goal was more than just a strike it was a breakthrough moment. Having endured two goalless outings since his arrival in England, the Nigerian forward will now look to build confidence and stake a claim for more regular minutes in Gary O’Neil’s side.
Meanwhile, in London, three other Super Eagles stars were in action as Fulham booked their place in the last 16 with a narrow 1-0 win over League Two side Cambridge United. Emile Smith Rowe grabbed the decisive goal for the hosts, but all eyes were also on Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey.
Chukwueze, introduced around the hour mark, struggled to find his rhythm but added energy to the Fulham attack. Bassey also came off the bench, while Iwobi was given a rest after recent busy outings.
With Wolves and Fulham both advancing to the next round, it was a night that highlighted the growing presence and influence of Nigerian players in English football. For Arokodare especially, it could well be the start of an exciting chapter in his Premier League journey.
