Osimhen inspires Arokodare’s tribute to injured Ajax team-mate Dolberg

Victor Osimhen’s support for Mauro Icardi has inspired fellow Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare to honour injured Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg.

Arokodare scored in the seventh minute of Ajax’s Eredivisie match against NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, meeting Jorthy Mokio’s cross with a powerful header to put the hosts in front.

But Ajax were unable to hold on to their lead. NEC were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute after Mokio was penalised for a foul, and Tjaronn Chery converted to level the match.

Neither side could find a winner, leaving Ajax five points behind leaders Feyenoord. The league leaders remain unbeaten and have collected 20 points from eight Eredivisie matches.

Arokodare follows Osimhen’s example

Arokodare’s celebration provided another significant moment in Amsterdam. After scoring, the Wolves loanee lifted Dolberg’s shirt towards the stands in tribute to the Danish forward, who will miss the remainder of the season.

Arokodare said after the match that Osimhen had encouraged him to make the gesture.

Osimhen had performed a similar celebration for his Galatasaray team-mate Mauro Icardi after scoring against Samsunspor in November 2024. He held up Icardi’s shirt after opening the scoring in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory, dedicating the goal to the Argentine forward after he suffered an ACL injury.

Icardi watched the match from the stands as Osimhen displayed his shirt, with the celebration providing a public expression of support during the injured player’s rehabilitation.

Arokodare used the same idea to show solidarity with Dolberg and remind Ajax supporters of the Danish striker’s absence.

Dolberg suffered his injury during a training session while on international duty during the September break. He subsequently underwent surgery on his right knee in Copenhagen.

Ajax later confirmed that the operation had been successful, but also announced that the former Sevilla striker would not play again this season.

Ajax held despite Arokodare goal

The goal was another step in Arokodare’s attempt to establish himself at Ajax after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Despite creating opportunities, Ajax could not restore their lead after Chery’s penalty. They ended the match with 18 shots but failed to score again, allowing NEC to leave with a point.

Arokodare was replaced in the 73rd minute, with Marcos Leonardo coming on.

The striker will have another opportunity to continue his scoring run when Ajax face Hajduk Split in the Conference League on Thursday.