Tolu Arokodare admits Premier League transition has been harder

Tolu Arokodare has revealed that the transition from the Belgian Pro League to the English Premier League has been more difficult than he anticipated.

​The Nigeria international joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Belgian Pro League outfit KRC Genk in the summer of 2025.

Arokodare confirms initial struggle

Speaking with Het Nieuwsblad, Arokodare admitted that his initial matches in England were a significant struggle.

“The two leagues are comparable: physically demanding, intense, and fast. But in the Premier League, you have to double your efforts.

It wasn’t easy, I admit. My first matches were a struggle, I struggled. It was even harder than I expected. I’ve made progress since then, but I’m not where I want to be yet.”

Despite the slow start, the striker emphasized his readiness to adapt to the league’s grueling demands.

“I knew I wasn’t coming here on holiday, that I’d have to fight. So, not much has changed in that respect. I was fighting with Genk, and now I’m fighting with Wolves. Then for the title, now to stay up n the league.

I want to learn from this and become stronger. But it goes without saying that it’s tough being top scorer last season and now not even close to double figures.”

The 24-year-old, who was recently a victim of racial abuse, has scored twice in the Premier League for a Wolves side currently battling relegation.

However, he showed signs of his quality on Tuesday, providing a crucial assist to help Wolves secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

With Wolves currently fighting to maintain their Premier League status, every contribution from the squad will be crucial in the coming months.

For Arokodare, the remainder of the season presents an opportunity to prove his value and continue improving in one of the toughest leagues in football.

The Nigerian striker remains optimistic that consistent playing time and experience will help him rediscover the form that made him one of the most feared forwards in Belgium.

If he can continue adapting and gaining confidence, Tolu Arokodare could still play a key role in Wolves’ survival push while establishing himself as a reliable attacking option in English football.

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The Journey from Nigeria to European Football

Before making his mark in Europe, Tolu Arokodare began his football journey in Nigeria, where his physical strength and natural goal-scoring instinct quickly caught the attention of scouts. Like many talented Nigerian players, he pursued opportunities abroad to develop his career and gain exposure to higher levels of competition.

His move to Europe allowed him to refine his technical skills and adapt to different tactical systems. Over time, he established himself as a reliable forward capable of troubling defenders with his height, pace, and finishing ability inside the penalty area.

The experience gained during those early years proved crucial in shaping him into the player who would eventually attract interest from clubs in some of Europe’s strongest leagues.

Breakthrough Season in Belgium

The striker’s reputation grew significantly during his time with KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League. During his final season with the club, he delivered several impressive performances that demonstrated his ability to lead the attacking line.

Arokodare’s strength in aerial duels and his ability to convert chances inside the box made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. His consistent performances helped Genk remain competitive throughout the campaign and ultimately put him on the radar of clubs from bigger European competitions.

That breakthrough season played a major role in convincing Wolverhampton Wanderers that he had the potential to succeed in England.

Learning from Experienced Teammates

Adjusting to a new league often requires time, and Arokodare has benefited from the presence of experienced players around him at Wolves.

Training alongside teammates who have spent years competing in the Premier League has provided valuable lessons about positioning, decision-making, and maintaining composure under pressure.

The striker has also received guidance from the coaching staff on how to adapt his playing style to the demands of English football. Improving movement off the ball, pressing defenders, and linking up with midfielders are all key elements that continue to shape his development.

These adjustments are part of the natural growth process for many young players making the leap to one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Determined to Prove Himself

Despite the challenges he has faced since arriving in England, Arokodare remains determined to prove that he belongs at the highest level.

Professional footballers often experience difficult periods when adapting to new environments, but persistence and confidence are essential qualities for success.

For the Nigerian forward, every training session and match represents another opportunity to improve and regain the scoring form that defined his time in Belgium.

Supporters of Wolves will hope that as the season progresses, the striker’s confidence continues to grow and his performances begin to reflect his true potential.

A Player with Long-Term Potential

At just 24 years old, Arokodare still has many years ahead of him to develop his game. The experience of competing in the Premier League could ultimately become a defining chapter in his career.

If he continues to adapt to the pace and physical demands of English football, the Nigerian striker could emerge as a key figure for Wolves in the coming seasons.

For now, his focus remains on improving every week and helping the club secure important results in their battle to remain in the top flight.

With patience and determination, Tolu Arokodare still has the opportunity to turn a difficult start into a successful Premier League story.