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| Tolu Arokodare is on duty in the Ajax field |
Nigeria forward Tolu Arokodare is a doubt for the Super Eagles' upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after his club coach confirmed he is struggling with a fever.
Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez disclosed the illness this week, putting the striker's availability for Nigeria's September fixtures in question. The 25-year-old has been in good form since joining the Amsterdam side on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and was expected to feature prominently for the national team.
Arokodare was not included in Ajax's starting eleven for the Eredivisie match against Willem II on Tuesday at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Although he was named on the bench, he remained an unused substitute throughout the game, which Ajax won 5-1.
Sánchez explained after the match that the decision was forced by the player's health, noting that Arokodare had been unwell all week with a fever and that it was uncertain if he could play at all. The striker had asked to be part of the squad despite feeling ill.
The setback comes at a critical moment. Ajax will host Excelsior on September 19 in their next league game before the international break, while Nigeria will begin its qualifying campaign for the 2027 AFCON against Madagascar on September 25 in Uyo.
Arokodare had scored two goals and created one in five league outings this season, plus three goals in Conference League qualifying, making him an important option for coach Eric Chelle, especially with Victor Osimhen currently injured. His recovery in the coming days will be closely watched.
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