Two Nigerian forwards, Tolu Arokodare and Chrisantus Uche, marked their Premier League debuts on Saturday, just days after representing the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Arokodare, who sealed a summer move from Belgian side KRC Genk to Wolverhampton Wanderers, was named in the starting lineup against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. However, the 23-year-old striker struggled to impose himself and was replaced in the 66th minute by Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias as Wolves fell 1-0 to the Magpies.
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At Selhurst Park, Uche who joined Crystal Palace in the final hours of the transfer window was handed his first appearance in English football when he came on in the 84th minute for fellow new signing Yeremy Pino. The 21-year-old’s cameo was not enough to inspire a breakthrough, as Palace were held to a goalless draw by newly-promoted Leeds United.
Both players had featured for Nigeria during the international window. Arokodare made substitute appearances against Rwanda and South Africa, while Uche came off the bench in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa.
While neither player made a decisive impact on their Premier League debuts, expectations remain high that they will grow into key figures for their respective clubs in the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze, who completed a deadline-day transfer from AC Milan to Fulham, was not included in the Cottagers’ matchday squad.
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