Tolu Arokodare continued his explosive start at Ajax with another outstanding performance, scoring twice as the Dutch giants defeated FC Sion 5-3 to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League league phase.
The Nigerian striker scored twice in the second leg of Ajax’s play-off tie at the Johan Cruyff Arena, helping his new club complete a 9-5 aggregate victory over the Swiss side.
More importantly for Arokodare, the brace took his tally to five goal contributions in his first five games for Ajax, the 25-year-old is quickly turning his move to Amsterdam into one of the early talking points of the new season.
Arokodare was handed his first competitive start for Ajax and wasted little time showing why the club brought him in, Ajax had already taken control of the tie before the Nigerian got on the scoresheet.
Youri Baas opened the scoring after just one minute, while Davy Klaassen doubled the advantage in the 39th minute.
Sion responded through Winsley Boteli Mokango, but Arokodare ensured Ajax regained control before half-time, the Nigerian striker fired home from a difficult angle in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-2.
He was not finished, six minutes after the restart, Arokodare found the net again following a move involving Youssef Ouazane and Mika Godts.
His second goal made it 4-2 and completed a memorable first start in European competition for Ajax.
Arokodare’s numbers since arriving in Amsterdam have been impressive, the striker provided an assist on his Ajax debut against PEC Zwolle, he then produced a goal and an assist in the first leg against Sion before scoring twice in the return fixture.
That gives him five goal contributions across his opening five games for the Dutch giants, it is the kind of start that can quickly change a player’s status at a new club.
Arokodare arrived at Ajax looking to rebuild his reputation after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, he now appears to be doing exactly that.
One of Arokodare’s biggest advantages is his physical presence, standing close to two metres tall, the Nigerian gives Ajax an attacking option that is difficult for defenders to deal with physically.
His movement inside the penalty area and ability to attack crosses provide another dimension to Ajax’s attack, the two goals against Sion showed his ability to find space and finish from difficult positions.
His first goal came from an awkward angle, while his second demonstrated his positioning and ability to arrive at the right moment, for Ajax, that variety could become extremely valuable as the season progresses.
Arokodare’s rise at Ajax has happened quickly, his first appearances came mainly as a substitute, but he made an immediate impact whenever he entered the pitch.
His performance against Sion in the first leg had already raised questions about whether he deserved a starting opportunity.
The second leg provided the answer, given his first start, Arokodare responded with two goals.
That will make it much harder for the Ajax coaching staff to view him simply as an impact substitute, he has now demonstrated that he can influence a match from the beginning as well.
The Nigerian’s early Ajax form is particularly significant because of what happened before his move to the Netherlands.
His spell at Wolves did not produce the consistency he would have wanted, Arokodare arrived at Ajax with something to prove, instead of taking time to settle, he has immediately started producing.
Five goal contributions in five games is an excellent early return and suggests the striker has adapted quickly to his new surroundings, the challenge now is maintaining that level when the pressure increases in domestic competition.
While Arokodare’s performance was the individual headline, Ajax’s main objective was securing qualification.
The 5-3 victory completed a 9-5 aggregate win and booked Ajax’s place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Oliver Valaker Edvardsen scored Ajax’s fifth goal in the second leg, while Sion’s Boteli completed his hat-trick late in the match, despite conceding three goals, Ajax did enough across both legs to comfortably progress.
Arokodare’s form could also have implications for Nigeria, the Super Eagles have several talented attacking options, meaning every forward must consistently produce at club level to remain in contention, Arokodare’s performances for Ajax give him a strong platform.
European football, regular goals and increased confidence could all strengthen his case for more responsibility with Nigeria, if he continues scoring at this rate, it will become increasingly difficult to overlook him.
Arokodare’s form also creates an interesting selection battle at Ajax, the club has several attacking options, but the Nigerian is rapidly making his case through his performances rather than words.
His ability to score and create goals gives the coaching staff another reliable attacking weapon, more importantly, his physical profile offers something different from some of Ajax’s other forwards, that could help him carve out a permanent role in the team.
The biggest question now is whether Arokodare can maintain his incredible start, five goal contributions in five games is an impressive beginning, but a full season demands consistency.
Opponents will become more familiar with his strengths, defenders will pay closer attention to his movement, the pressure surrounding his performances will also increase.
Arokodare must therefore show that the Sion brace was not simply a brilliant night but part of a sustained improvement.
For now, everything is going in Arokodare’s direction, he has scored, he has assisted, he has earned a starting opportunity, and he has delivered when given it.
His two-goal performance against Sion has taken his Ajax tally to five goal contributions in five games and helped the club secure European football.
The Nigerian arrived in Amsterdam with a point to prove, five games later, the conversation has changed completely, Arokodare is no longer simply a new signing trying to settle in, He is becoming one of Ajax’s most exciting attacking options.
And if this early form continues, the Super Eagles striker could have a very big season ahead of him.
