Tolu Arokodare: Excelsior coach reveals why Nigerian star is a different player at Ajax

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start to life at Ajax with another goal in their 2-2 draw against Excelsior on Saturday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward has enjoyed a superb start to the 2026/27 season and took his tally to six goals and two assists from nine appearances across all competitions, giving him almost a goal contribution in every game he has played for the club.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax from English side Wolves during the summer on a season-long loan deal after struggling to make a big impact at the West Midlands club. However, Arokodare is gradually returning to the form he showed during his time at Genk.

Ajax took the lead just after the half-hour mark on Saturday through another summer signing, Julian Brandt, but Excelsior stunned the hosts by scoring twice to turn the game around.

Ajax player Toluwalase Arokodare scores against Sion. Copyright: Imago

Lennard Hartjes equalised in first-half stoppage time before Aymen Sliti completed the comeback in the 62nd minute.

However, Arokodare, who had been introduced in the second half after missing Ajax’s previous game through illness, scored just two minutes later to level the score and eventually earn his side a point.

Excelsior coach identifies Tolu Arokodare as Ajax’s strong weapon

Reacting to the result which would have seen his side claim a win and move closer to the top four, Excelsior head coach Ruben den Uil believes the introduction of Tolu Arokodare was a major difference in the clash.

According to the Dutch coach, the Nigerian forward brought a different dimension to the game when he came on, with his strength and physicality making him a different kind of player for Ajax.

“The difference in strength today was, of course, considerable. If you also see what kind of players Ajax has, then it must also be a bit easy. We fought like lions”, Uil said post-match.

“When you see this Ajax… Tolu, that's almost fraud for the competition. He is so strong and so long… a cheat code. That is not normal. Even if you get a ten in the deck for the goal, then this man will still come above you.

“They have a few incredibly good players. Also for the Eredivisie, that is unprecedented. It's really a very handsome achievement of ours and then you also need the luck that a ball doesn't go in”, he concluded.

AFC Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Julian Brandt celebrates the goal with Tolu Arokodare. Photo by Imago

Meanwhile, Arokodare also opened up about his illness and recovery, admitting that he struggled at some points after coming off the bench against Excelsior.

The Nigerian had missed Ajax’s midweek 5-1 win over Willem II due to illness and was only fit enough to start Saturday’s game on the bench. However, his introduction proved crucial as he scored to rescue a point for Ajax.

“You could already see it when I dropped in. After five or six minutes I was already bent over because I was tired. I also needed this game to realise that I'm not one hundred per cent yet. I still feel weak. I haven't recovered as well as I thought”, Tolu Arokodare revealed.

“I don't think I could have started. I wanted to, but I don't think I could have done that. Before the game, my legs already felt weak. We had another tactical training in the morning, then my legs already felt weak. And during the game I was already completely broken after five to ten minutes.”

Arokodare ready for Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualifiers

The 25-year-old has been selected by head coach Eric Chelle for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers later this month. It will be his first Super Eagles call-up since Nigeria’s CAF playoff final defeat to DR Congo, which saw them miss out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Now back in form and playing with confidence, Arokodare will hope to continue his goalscoring run if he is given the opportunity in Nigeria’s games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

“I hope I can help my country”, he added.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare (Photo by Imago)

Arokodare’s goal helped Ajax remain in the top four for now, although the gap to the top of the standings could increase once the remaining Matchday 7 games are concluded.