Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare says his focus is on contributing to Ajax whenever he is given the chance after scoring twice on his first competitive start for the Dutch club.
The 25-year-old marked his first start under manager Míchel Sánchez with a brace as Ajax beat FC Sion 5-3 on Thursday to complete a 9-5 aggregate victory and secure their place in the Conference League league phase.
Arokodare was selected to lead the attack and made a decisive contribution, scoring in first-half stoppage time before adding his second goal six minutes after the interval.
The forward was eventually replaced shortly after the hour mark, with his performance receiving a standing ovation from the home supporters.
Despite making the most of his opportunity, Arokodare played down the significance of being chosen to start, saying the decision ultimately belonged to his manager.
“The reason was that the coach decided I would start,” he said.
The Nigerian also accepted that his place in the starting line-up could change from one match to another as Ajax manage their attacking options.
Kasper Dolberg and Leonardo are also competing for playing time, with Arokodare suggesting that the three forwards are likely to continue sharing opportunities depending on the manager’s selection.
“I think it was my turn. You have seen that there is a kind of rotation with Kasper and Leo, so maybe this weekend or next weekend it will be Kasper or Leonardo again. The coach decides,” Arokodare added.
His comments underline his willingness to accept competition for places while concentrating on what he can offer the team when selected.
Rather than focusing solely on starting matches, Arokodare said his objective is to make a positive contribution regardless of how much playing time he receives.
“I try to help the team and make an impact in every way I can, whether I play or not, whether I start or not. In the end, it is simple: if the team win, we all win. That is what matters,” he said.
His performance against Sion nevertheless provided a strong argument for further opportunities in the Ajax attack.
Arokodare’s display also earned praise from former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart, who believes the Nigerian brings qualities that can make him an important attacking option for Ajax.
Van der Vaart highlighted Arokodare’s ability to take chances, particularly after the striker struck twice during the game.
“Everything is going against his competitor Leonardo, and he just swings at the ball and scores,” Van der Vaart said during half-time analysis on Ziggo Sport.
The former Tottenham midfielder was also impressed by the striker’s strength in the air, identifying his ability in aerial challenges as another feature of his game.
“I feel like he doesn’t lose any aerial duels either. Great impression,” he added.
Arokodare’s two goals helped Ajax finish the tie strongly and progress to the Conference League league phase after a 9-5 aggregate success.
The result came after Ajax scored five times on the night, with Sion managing three goals, but the Dutch side ultimately secured progression with a four-goal advantage across the two legs.
For Arokodare, the performance continued an encouraging beginning to his Ajax career.
The brace against Sion means he has now scored three goals and provided two assists in five appearances across all competitions since joining the club this summer.
His latest contribution came on a night when he was handed his first competitive start, and he responded by scoring twice before receiving a warm reception from the home crowd when he was substituted.
While Arokodare accepts that his starting opportunities may depend on the manager’s rotation, his latest performance gives Ajax another indication of what he can offer in attack.
For the Nigerian, however, the message remains clear: selection is the manager’s decision, while his responsibility is to make the most of his opportunities and help Ajax win.
