Arokodare explains post-match prayer with Weghorst after Ajax draw

Nigeria forward Tolu Arokodare says his prayer with Wout Weghorst after Ajax’s 2-2 draw against FC Twente had been discussed before the Eredivisie match.

The pair were filmed holding hands and praying on the pitch at De Grolsch Veste after the final whistle, prompting widespread attention.

Arokodare, who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and also plays for Ajax, said the two forwards had intended to share the moment before kick-off. However, their plans changed because Weghorst had another meeting to attend.

The 25-year-old was speaking at a press conference on Thursday, one day before Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

Although Arokodare said he and Weghorst were not close friends, he explained that they already knew one another and had met previously.

“Me and Wout, I wouldn’t say we are the closest of friends, but we are two players who know each other. We have met before, and that was our second time meeting each other,” he said.

He added that the two players had wanted to recognise their Christian faith and give thanks to God before the match.

“But before the game it was something that we spoke about that we wanted to share a moment a moment in Christ and praise and thank God before the game,” he said.

Weghorst’s meeting meant the planned pre-match prayer did not take place. Instead, Arokodare said the pair found an opportunity after the game to give thanks for completing the match without injury and for both scoring.

“Actually but he was having a meeting so he couldn’t do it and it was just a moment that came about after the game to thank God for for the for the injury-free game and also thank God for blessing both of us each with goals and you know just appreciate God and show our our gratitude to him and and celebrate him,” he said.

Arokodare scored for Ajax in the match, while Weghorst was also on target for FC Twente as the sides shared four goals.

The Nigeria international said the gesture was intended not only as a personal expression of faith but also as a public demonstration of the role Christianity plays in both players’ lives.

“And hopefully have an impact with that with that gesture to show the world the impact of God in our lives. And we both felt it would be a a good moment to celebrate God and that’s what it was about,” he concluded.