Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after playing a key role in Ajax’s thrilling 5-3 victory over FC Sion in the UEFA Conference League play-off, Footynaija.com reports.
Arokodare made his first competitive start for the Dutch giants on Thursday and repaid manager Michel Sanchez’s faith by scoring twice as Ajax booked their place in the Conference League league phase.
The Nigerian forward struck in first-half stoppage time to put Ajax 3-2 ahead before completing his brace in the 51st minute after a fine team move involving Youssef Ouazane and Mika Godts.
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His second goal put Ajax 4-2 ahead before Sion pulled another goal back, with the Dutch side eventually sealing a 5-3 win and a 9-5 aggregate victory.
Arokodare was subsequently named Man of the Match after another impressive showing just one week after making an immediate impact from the bench in the first leg.
The 25-year-old scored within 43 seconds of coming on against Sion in Switzerland and also provided the assist for Davy Klaassen’s late goal in Ajax’s 4-2 victory.
Tolu Arokodare reacts after starring for Ajax
Speaking after Thursday’s second-leg thriller, Arokodare admitted his delight at rediscovering his scoring touch but insisted the team’s qualification mattered more.
“I am especially happy that I have found my scoring form again, but I am mainly happy with the team,” Arokodare told Ziggo Sport, via Ajax Showtime.
“We qualified, of course. I am also happy for the Sion striker, a pretty young lad who scored a hat-trick against Ajax. That is a big deal. Congratulations to him.
“But I am mainly happy that we qualified and that I was able to score as well.”
The Nigerian also revealed that he was not surprised to be given the starting role, with Ajax rotating between their attacking options in recent matches.
“The coach told me I would start, but I don’t know why he chose that,” he said.
“He decides the lineup. I think it was my turn. You’ve seen that there has been rotation between Kasper, Leonardo, and me lately. So I think it was my turn.”
Arokodare has quickly made an impression since arriving at Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring three goals and providing two assists across five outings in all competition for the Dutch giants.
Despite his growing impact, the striker insists his priority remains contributing to the team regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
“I always try to help the team in any way possible and make an impact, whether I play or not, and whether I am in the starting lineup or not,” he added.
“Whether it is with my words, my actions, or my presence, I try to help the team. That can be by scoring, providing assists, or defending.
“In whatever way, I try to help the team. Ultimately, the rule is: if the team wins, we all win. That is what counts.”
Arokodare’s impressive display against Sion could now give him a strong case for more opportunities in Ajax’s attack. The Nigerian will hope to carry his form into Sunday’s Eredivisie clash with Telstar as he looks to establish himself in Sanchez’ starting XI.
