Tolu Arokodare has given Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez another selection dilemma after producing a decisive performance in the UEFA Conference League play-off against FC Sion.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench to score and provide an assist as Ajax recovered from a difficult position to secure a 4-2 first-leg victory in Switzerland.
Arokodare’s impact was immediate.
Introduced in the 72nd minute with the score level at 2-2, the Super Eagles forward needed only two minutes to put Ajax ahead, rising above the Sion defence to head home a deflected cross from fellow substitute Abdellah Ouazane.
He later turned provider, slipping a well-timed pass into the path of Davy Klaassen, who calmly chipped the goalkeeper to complete Ajax’s victory.
The performance has strengthened calls for Arokodare to be given a starting opportunity.
Former Ajax and Barcelona midfielder Richard Witschge was impressed by what he saw from the Nigerian, particularly his movement and ability to attack the ball inside the penalty area.
The former Ajax star’s assessment is significant because Arokodare has so far been used primarily as an impact substitute since arriving in Amsterdam.
His latest display, however, showed that he can influence matches even with limited time on the pitch.
The challenge for Sánchez will now be deciding whether the Nigerian has done enough to earn a place in the starting XI.
Arokodare has not needed many minutes to make an impression since joining Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He made his first competitive appearance against PEC Zwolle and immediately provided an assist for Jorthy Mokio in Ajax’s 2-0 victory.
He subsequently featured against Shelbourne in the Conference League before making another substitute appearance against Heerenveen.
His biggest contribution so far came against Sion, where his goal and assist helped Ajax turn a 2-2 game into a convincing 4-2 victory.
Across his opening competitive appearances, Arokodare has now produced three goal contributions despite spending only a limited amount of time on the pitch.
One of Arokodare’s biggest strengths is his physical presence, standing at around 1.97 metres, the Nigerian gives Ajax a different attacking option and provides a clear target for crosses and direct passes.
His goal against Sion demonstrated exactly why that physicality can be useful. Arokodare attacked the ball aggressively, rose above the defenders and finished with a powerful header.
For an Ajax side that wants to control games through possession and movement, having a striker capable of offering a different threat in the final third can be valuable.
The Nigerian’s performance has not gone unnoticed by Ajax’s head coach. Míchel Sánchez praised Arokodare’s energy and work rate after the victory over Sion, the manager also highlighted his ability to score and contribute to the team.
That is an important development for Arokodare.
The striker is not only competing for minutes based on his goalscoring ability; he is also showing the coach that he can contribute to Ajax’s overall approach.
Arokodare still faces serious competition for a starting role. Ajax have other attacking options, including Marcos Leonardo and Kasper Dolberg, that means the Nigerian cannot afford to relax after one impressive performance.
Instead, he must continue taking advantage of every opportunity Sánchez gives him.
The good news for Arokodare is that he has already shown that he can make a difference from the bench, his next challenge is proving that he can produce the same level of impact when given a full match.
Arokodare’s impressive beginning at Ajax is particularly encouraging because it comes after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Nigerian joined Wolves after an outstanding period at Genk, where he established himself as one of the leading strikers in Belgian football.
However, he struggled to find consistency in England, his move to Ajax now represents an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and remind European football of his qualities.
The early signs have been positive, rather than needing months to settle, Arokodare has already begun contributing goals and assists.
Arokodare’s form could also be good news for Nigeria, the striker remains part of the Super Eagles setup and is competing for a place in Eric Chelle’s squad.
Nigeria have several attacking options, but a striker playing regularly and contributing goals in European competition would give Chelle another valuable weapon.
If Arokodare can establish himself as a regular starter at Ajax, his confidence and match sharpness could increase significantly.
That could eventually translate into stronger performances for the national team.
The latest performance has changed the conversation around Arokodare at Ajax, the question is no longer simply whether he can contribute from the bench.
It is whether he has done enough to deserve a starting opportunity, Witschge’s praise adds weight to that argument, while Arokodare’s numbers are beginning to support it.
The Nigerian has already shown that he can score, create chances and change the direction of a match, now he needs to convince Sánchez that he can do it consistently.
Arokodare’s arrival may prove to be one of Ajax’s most useful additions if he can maintain his early momentum, his combination of height, strength, movement and finishing gives Sánchez an attacking profile that can be difficult for defenders to handle.
Against Sion, he showed all of those qualities within a short period, One goal, One assist, a match-changing cameo.
For a player still trying to establish himself at a new club, it was almost the perfect response.
The next step is obvious, Arokodare must continue making every minute count until the decision becomes impossible for Sánchez to ignore.
For now, the Nigerian striker has certainly given Ajax something to think about.
