Tolu Arokodare says he is ready to put Ajax’s needs ahead of his own desire to start after making an immediate impact in his first competitive appearance for the Dutch club, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker came off the bench in Ajax’s 2-0 Eredivisie victory away to PEC Zwolle on Sunday. Arokodare provided the assist for the opening goal and helped Ajax finish a difficult away match with three points.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport as per Voetbalprimeur, Arokodare said he was pleased with the way the game ended despite Ajax struggling to find their rhythm early on.
“We did not start the match perfectly, but we finished the game the way we wanted, with the win and the two goals,” he said.
The 25-year-old was also happy with his own contribution after entering the match as a substitute.
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“It was also nice to have an assist, to come on and help the team. I enjoyed fighting together with the boys,” Arokodare said.
His attitude comes at a time when competition for the striker position is strong. Kasper Dolberg has started Ajax’s first league game, while Arokodare and Marcos Leonardo have had to wait for opportunities from the bench.
Arokodare admits he wants to play from the start, but he says that personal ambition cannot always come before the team’s needs.
“Of course, I want to start every game and play as much as possible,” he said. “But sometimes there are things that are bigger than the wishes of an individual player.”
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Arokodare wants Ajax to win every competition
The Nigerian believes selection can depend on more than a striker’s form. Tactical decisions, the needs of the team and even a player’s physical condition can affect who starts.
“Sometimes the team comes first, sometimes there are tactical decisions and sometimes there may be physical reasons. You never know,” he said.
Arokodare’s response to the situation has been to focus on what he can control.
“I was allowed to come on, I helped the team and we won,” he said. “If I have to do that for the whole season, I will do my best. If I am allowed to start, I will also do my best.”
He added: “Whatever I have to do to help the team and myself, I will do it.”
His personal goals are also straightforward.
“I just want to win matches and score goals. I think every striker wants that,” Arokodare said.
That mentality will be important as Ajax balance their Eredivisie campaign with European football. The Amsterdam club are also competing in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds and faced Shelbourne in the second leg of their third qualifying-round tie on Thursday after winning the first leg 3-1.
Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, with Ajax holding an option to make the transfer permanent. He had previously made his name at Genk, where he became the Belgian Pro League’s leading scorer in the 2024-25 season before moving to Wolves.
His relationship with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff also played a part in bringing him to Amsterdam. Arokodare said Cruijff explained the club’s plans before the transfer was completed.
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“He told me about the team he wants to build, and we can already see it,” Arokodare said. “I really liked it and I am ready to chase our dreams.”
Those dreams are not modest.
“I want to become champions and win every competition we take part in,” he said.
Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season, a result that left the club outside the Champions League places and increased pressure on the new sporting project led by Cruijff.
Arokodare has arrived as part of that rebuilding process. His first league appearance has already produced an assist, while he also scored during Ajax’s 3-1 pre-season victory over FC Volendam.
The striker now faces a fight for regular minutes, but his first interview after the competitive debut suggests he is not interested in making the battle about himself.
His priority is to contribute whenever coach Míchel Sánchez calls on him. Whether that means starting, coming on late or helping Ajax through a difficult match, Arokodare says he is ready.
