Wolverhampton Wanderers cancelled a first-team training session at their Compton Park facility on Monday and brought in extra security after Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch when instructed to do so by new manager César Peixoto.
Arokodare Standoff Forces Wolves to Cancel Training Session
Wolverhampton Wanderers cancelled a first-team training session at their Compton Park facility on Monday and brought in extra security after Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch when instructed to do so by new manager César Peixoto.
Peixoto had told the 25-year-old Nigerian that he was not permitted to take part in the session, but Arokodare held his ground on the pitch, triggering an extraordinary standoff that disrupted the day's schedule entirely.
Strict measures after relegation
The confrontation comes on the back of a turbulent period for the club. Wolves were relegated from the Premier League last season, finishing bottom of the table, and Peixoto has since moved to impose firm disciplinary standards as he prepares the squad for life in the Championship.
In the wake of Monday's incident, Arokodare was left out of the group that travelled to a pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United — a further sign of his deteriorating standing at the club.
Reports also indicate that Peixoto had already excluded the Nigerian from Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal, suggesting the Portuguese coach does not consider Arokodare part of his plans for the coming season.
Transfer links and an uncertain future
Arokodare arrived at Wolves from Belgian club Genk in a £23.4 million transfer, but his debut campaign in England proved deeply disappointing. He managed only three league goals in 33 appearances as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League.
With his future at Compton Park increasingly in doubt, a number of clubs have reportedly registered interest. Fiorentina, Genoa, and Trabzonspor are all said to be monitoring the forward's situation.
The departure of former manager Rob Edwards — who left following the club's relegation — and the arrival of Peixoto appear to have sealed Arokodare's fate at Wolves, with a summer exit now looking the most likely outcome.


