{
  "id": 7894430,
  "title": "Arokodare hands Chelle fresh selection dilemma",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/arokodare-hands-chelle-fresh-selection-dilemma",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T23:22:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/arokodare-hands-chelle-fresh-selection-dilemma/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tolu Arokodare's selection for Nigeria's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has become uncertain due to Ajax's concern over his fitness, PUNCH Sports Extra has reported. The 25-year-old striker, who joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July until the end of 2027, suffered from a fever throughout the week, which led him to be substituted during Ajax's Eredivisie match against Willem II on Tuesday. Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez confirmed that Arokodare's absence was solely due to his health issues and not a tactical choice. The timing of the illness is particularly inconvenient for Arokodare, who is set to start Nigeria's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo just six days after his next match with Ajax. Arokodare has proven to be a valuable asset for Ajax since his loan move, scoring twice and assisting once in five Eredivisie games, and netting three goals in the Conference League qualifying matches. Eric Chelle, Nigeria's manager, will be closely monitoring Arokodare's recovery as they prepare for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, where a strong performance could secure a favorable spot in Group L.",
  "summary": "Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare is a doubt for Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers after his coach revealed he has been struggling with a fever all week. Read More: https://punchng.com/arokodare-hands-chelle-fresh-selection-dilemma/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}