Arokodare says fitness remains short of full strength before Madagascar tie

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has said he is not yet 100 per cent fit ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar. Punch Nigeria reported the player’s assessment after he scored for Ajax on Saturday. The goal provides evidence of his recent involvement for the club, but Arokodare’s own update indicates that he does not regard himself as fully ready.

The available material does not identify the fitness problem, explain when it began or give details of the treatment he has received. It also does not say whether he has joined the national team’s preparations or whether medical staff have cleared him to play. Arokodare’s comments leave his precise role in the Madagascar match unclear.

The report does not confirm whether he will be selected, start on the bench or be left out of the squad. His condition is therefore an issue for the Super Eagles before the qualifier, although the supplied information gives no further assessment from the team or club.