Former Premier League Star Slams Super Eagles Forward Tolu Arokodare After Costly Miss
Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has come under intense scrutiny following Wolverhampton Wanderers' disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League. Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison delivered a scathing assessment of the Nigerian forward's performance during live commentary for Sky Sports.
A Costly Miss in Crucial Match
The turning point of the match occurred in the 64th minute when Arokodare was presented with a golden opportunity to level the game after Eli Junior Kroupi's first-half opener for Bournemouth. Using his physical strength and intelligent movement, the Nigerian forward managed to get goal-side of defender Marcos Senesi and connect with Hugo Bueno's delivery.
However, his side-footed effort proved weak and poorly placed, allowing Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to make a comfortable save from close range. This missed chance proved particularly costly as Bournemouth later sealed their victory in stoppage time through Alex Scott.
Morrison's Harsh Assessment
Commentating on the match, Morrison did not mince words about Arokodare's performance. "Straight at Petrovic, Arokodare should do better. He should score, but that's how Wolves have been this season," the former Premier League striker remarked.
The defeat leaves Wolves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just eight points from twenty-four matches, making Arokodare's missed opportunity even more significant in their ongoing relegation battle.
From Belgian Star to Premier League Struggles
Arokodare's difficulties in front of goal have raised serious concerns, especially considering the exceptional form that earned him his move to Wolves from Racing Genk last summer. In Belgium, the Nigerian forward established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the league, scoring twenty-one goals during the 2024/2025 season and demonstrating a dominant presence in the penalty area.
That clinical finishing has not followed him to England. Despite being trusted with regular starts and completing the full ninety minutes against Bournemouth, Arokodare has managed just one goal in twenty Premier League appearances this season according to Transfermarkt statistics.
The contrast between his performances in Belgium and England has been stark. While he thrived in Genk's high-tempo attacking system with quick service and confidence in front of goal, at Wolves he has struggled to adapt to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League, often finding himself isolated and short of clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Mounting Pressure on Club and Country Fronts
Arokodare's poor club form has significantly impacted his international prospects. His struggles contributed directly to his omission from Nigeria's final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by head coach Eric Chelle, representing a major setback for a player who had been widely tipped as a long-term attacking option for the Super Eagles.
For Wolves, the stakes could not be higher. With relegation now looking increasingly likely, the club desperately needs goals from its main striker to salvage their Premier League status. Morrison's comments reflect the growing frustration among Wolves supporters who view missed chances as a primary reason for their team's dire league position.
At twenty-five years old, Arokodare still has time to turn his season around, but patience is wearing thin among both club officials and fans who expected more from their significant investment in the Nigerian forward.
Previous Response to Critics
Earlier in the season, Arokodare had attempted to respond to his critics by opening his goal account for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The striker came off the bench in the second half and found the back of the net in their 2-0 win over Everton in the EFL Cup, demonstrating brief glimpses of the talent that made him such a sought-after prospect.
However, that solitary goal has not been followed by consistent Premier League scoring, leaving questions about whether he can adapt to the demands of English football before it's too late for both his club career and international aspirations.
