No tea - Why Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare will continue to sit on the bench under new coach 
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Why Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare will continue his bench role under the new Wolves coach.

No tea - Why Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare will continue to sit on the bench under new coach 

Izuchukwu Akawor 17:46 - 20.11.2025

Tolu Arokodare may continue his bench role for Premier League side Wolves as the new coach’s system, tactics and squad hierarchy limit his chances of starting regularly.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare may continue spending much of his time on the bench at Wolverhampton Wanderers as new head coach Rob Edwards implements a system and squad hierarchy that limits the Nigerian's chances of securing a regular starting role.

Since joining Wolves from Belgian side Genk last summer in a £23 million deal, Arokodare has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League side.

Despite his prolific scoring record in Belgium, where he netted 21 times in the 2024/25 season to finish as top scorer, the 24-year-old has largely been confined to substitute appearances, totaling just 209 minutes across seven outings this season.

Wolves currently sit bottom of the table with only two points from their opening 11 games, a precarious position requiring a tactical overhaul.

Tolu Arokodare joined Wolves last summer. (Photo Credit: Wolves/X)

According to a Premier League report, Edwards, a former Wolves player turned manager, favours a high-pressing, three-at-the-back formation, often employing two strikers upfront.

While Edwards’ preferred 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 formation could theoretically accommodate Arokodare alongside fellow forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, the latter remains the preferred choice given his experience and relative form.

New Wolves Rob Edwards.

Wolves also face a shortage of pace and dribbling options following key summer departures, which may further impact the striker’s playing time.

Efforts to find a foothold in the Premier League have been complicated by the club’s challenging season and tactical demands emphasising quick transitions and defensive solidity.

Meanwhile, rumours suggest Turkish side Fenerbahce are interested in taking Arokodare on loan or pursuing a transfer during the January window, reflecting the striker’s desire for more consistent game time.

Despite the setbacks, Arokodare will remain optimistic about his future at Wolves and with the Super Eagles, aiming to adapt and push for increased opportunities in the coming months.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare | Credit: X

However, with the club fighting for Premier League survival under Edwards, it is clear the forward faces stiff competition and must navigate tactical constraints limiting his impact in England’s top flight this season.