Arokodare scores brace on Ajax start, secures Conference League phase spot
Tolu Arokodare scored two goals on his first competitive start for AFC Ajax, netting in the 45th and 51st minutes to secure a 5-3 victory over FC Sion at the Johan Cruijff Arena—just days after scoring and assisting in the first leg in Switzerland. The win sealed a 9-5 aggregate triumph and Ajax's place in the UEFA Conference League phase.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international finished powerfully from Abdellah Ouazane's cross for the opener, then produced a brilliant top-corner finish after another Ouazane assist early in the second half. Substituted after 60 minutes, Arokodare has now scored four goals and provided two assists in five appearances for Ajax since joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His brace turned a potentially difficult European tie into a comfortable advance, highlighting his rapid adaptation to life at one of Europe's historic clubs. With Ajax now set for the Conference League phase, Arokodare's explosive start has made him a key selection option for manager John Heitinga.
Does this performance strengthen the case for Nigerian strikers to be trusted with starting roles at top European clubs, or should fans wait for sustained excellence over multiple seasons before celebrating such breakthroughs?