Nigeria international forward Tolu Arokodare has been joined in the first team of relegated English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers by another Nigerian, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Wolves have been confirmed relegated to the English Championship, and many expect them to begin a rebuild of their team with eyes on instant promotion back to the English Premier League.
Arokodare isn’t certain to be a part of that quest, but one other Nigerian in Saheed Olagunju has been tipped for a permanent first team spot next season in the Championship.
Already he has had a taste of first team action by making the bench in the English Premier League, however it’s for the U18 that he has really shown his worth since joining from Chelsea.
This season he has made 34 appearances in all competitions, and now looks ready for promotion to the first team just in time, before the start of pre season training.
Head of international youth recruitment, Harry Hooman described the 17 year old in glowing terms after his move from Chelsea in August 2024. “Saheed’s someone we’ve admired from afar and for a long time while he’s been at Chelsea. If ever there was an opportunity to do something then we were going to look to move and that opportunity came available, so we moved quickly and we’re excited to get him in the building.
“He’s a very tall and athletic left-sided defender, but he’s also comfortable with the ball. Defensively, he likes to be on the front foot and playing high up the pitch – he’s comfortable defending on that high line and has that athleticism to defend the space in behind. He’s still very much growing into his frame and developing physically, which is exciting because he’s nowhere near finished in terms of what he could become. There’s lots of potential there and a high ceiling in terms of his long-term potential.
“We were really impressed with his attitude and intelligence, and it seems like he’s come from a really good family with good people around him. This will hopefully help him settle in and then kick on over the next couple of years.”
