Latest News
Tolu Arokodare stakes Nigeria claim with Ajax double in Conference League
Tolu Arokodare strengthened his case for a return to the Nigeria squad by scoring twice as Ajax Amsterdam beat Swiss opposition 5-3 in the Europa Conference League, completing a 9-5 aggregate victory to reach the tournament’s group stage.
The Nigeria international striker made a decisive contribution in the second leg, scoring in the first minute of added time before finding the net again six minutes after the interval. His display helped Ajax Amsterdam secure qualification in a tie that produced 14 goals across the two matches.
Arokodare was substituted after his two-goal performance and received a warm ovation from the home supporters. The reception underlined his growing popularity among Ajax Amsterdam fans, while his contribution proved central to the Dutch side’s progress.
The striker is currently on loan at Ajax Amsterdam from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were relegated from the English Premier League. His latest performance further enhances his standing at club level and gives him renewed hope of returning to international football with Nigeria.
Arokodare has not been selected by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle since the World Cup qualifying play-off in November 2025. Chelle handed the forward his senior international debut last year, but the striker has subsequently fallen out of favour with the national-team manager.
He was also omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and was not included in the team’s later friendly matches following the tournament. His form for Ajax Amsterdam could now give him an opportunity to force his way back into Chelle’s plans.
Nigeria are due to play Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in September, and Arokodare will hope his goals in the Europa Conference League persuade Chelle to recall him. His two-goal display came at an important time as he continues to establish himself as a key attacking option for Ajax Amsterdam.
The forward’s impact was particularly significant because both goals arrived after half-time, with the first coming in stoppage time at the end of the opening period and the second six minutes after the restart. He was later taken off to sustained applause from the supporters.
Ajax Amsterdam’s 5-3 victory secured a 9-5 aggregate success and passage to the group stage. For Arokodare, the result combined an important club achievement with a timely personal statement as he seeks to revive his international career under Chelle.
The striker’s omission from Nigeria’s recent squads means he has ground to make up before the September qualifiers. However, his latest goalscoring performance has placed his current form firmly in the spotlight and may give him a chance to be considered again by the national-team coach.