Nigeria Players Abroad
Tolu Arokodare makes instant Ajax impact with Eredivisie debut assist
Tolu Arokodare provided an assist on his Eredivisie debut as Ajax began the new season with a 2-0 victory away at PEC Zwolle.
The Nigeria international started on the substitutes’ bench before coming on in the 73rd minute, replacing Abdellah Ouazane.
Arokodare needed only three minutes to make his mark. After being introduced, he set up Jorthy Mokio for Ajax’s opening goal, giving the visitors the lead and producing an immediate contribution on his first appearance in the Dutch top flight.
Ajax held on to their advantage before Julian Brandt added a second goal deep into stoppage time. Mika Godts supplied the assist for Brandt’s late finish, completing the away side’s 2-0 win.
The result gives Ajax a winning start to their Eredivisie campaign, while Arokodare’s involvement will provide an early indication of the impact he can have during his time at the club.
Arokodare joined Ajax last month on a season-long loan from Sky Bet Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers. The move took him to the former European champions, where he will look to establish himself after arriving for the current campaign.
Ajax’s next Eredivisie match is at home to Heerenveen on Sunday.
Before that fixture, they will travel to Dublin to face Shelbourne in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie. Ajax take a 3-1 advantage into the return match after winning the first leg at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Arokodare’s assist against PEC Zwolle came before that European assignment and marked a positive beginning to his Ajax career, despite his appearance being limited to the final stages of the match.
