Napoli’s pursuit of Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare appears promising but is shadowed by lingering tensions from Victor Osimhen’s troubled exit, raising doubts over the Super Eagles star’s potential transfer to the Serie A club.
Arokodare, 24, who finished as the top scorer in Belgium’s Pro League last season and is valued between €18 million and €25 million, fits Napoli’s urgent need to reinforce their attack after Romelu Lukaku’s injury. The club has reportedly initiated talks with the Genk striker’s representatives, signalling genuine interest.
However, insiders warn that history might repeat itself. Osimhen, who lifted Napoli to their first Scudetto in over 30 years during the 2022/23 season, saw his relationship with the club severely deteriorate within a year. The star striker was notably frozen out, stripped of his iconic No. 9 jersey, and eventually loaned out to Galatasaray before a permanent transfer — a saga that sparked widespread disappointment among Nigerian football fans.
The Nigerian football community viewed Napoli’s handling of Osimhen as “disrespectful” to a player who had become a club legend. This fractured relationship has left a lasting scar on Napoli’s reputation in Nigeria, intensifying concerns about how the club manages African talents.
An expert on Nigerian football affairs, Ayomide Oguntimehin, suggests, “Tolu must weigh the opportunity against caution. Napoli may offer Champions League exposure and more playing time, but the lessons from Osimhen’s experience cannot be overlooked.”
