By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare announced his Premier League arrival in style, scoring his maiden goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers with a 90th-minute header against Arsenal – only for the Gunners to snatch a 2-1 victory in stoppage time.
The 25-year-old, who joined Wolves from Genk for £24 million in September 2025, glanced a cross from substitute Mateus Mané beyond David Raya to cancel out an earlier own goal by Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
His strike made him the first Nigerian to score in the Premier League for Wolves and sparked jubilant scenes among the away fans.
But heartbreak followed in the 94th minute when Yerson Mosquera headed a Bukayo Saka cross into his own net under pressure from Gabriel Jesus, securing all three points for Arsenal and extending their lead at the top to five points.
A disappointed Arokodare said post-match: “It’s hurtful. It’s been happening to us the whole season. We play very good for the whole 90 minutes and then at the end we always concede.”
The 1.97m forward has become a key figure for bottom-placed Wolves, who remain winless. Coming just days after his controversial omission from Nigeria’s AFCON squad, the goal highlights his potential to turn the team’s season around.
Despite the bitter defeat, Arokodare’s impact offers hope for Wolves ahead of their next match against Brentford.
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