Arokodare’s 7th Ajax league goal breaks Nigerian record held by Kanu, Finidi & Babangida

Tolu Arokodare has set a new record for Nigerian players at Ajax after scoring against FC Twente in Sunday’s Eredivisie clash.

The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring just three minutes into the game in Enschede, rising to meet a superb cross from Oscar Gloukh with a fine header.

It was Arokodare’s seventh league goal since joining Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. He has now scored 13 goals in all competitions.

That takes him past Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George and Tijani Babangida, who all represented the Dutch club during their playing careers.

None of the three Nigerians scored more than seven goals in their first season at Ajax, giving Arokodare the best debut-season goalscoring record among Nigerian players at the club.

Arokodare moves past Kanu, Finidi and Babangida

Finidi George enjoyed a successful first season at Ajax in 1993-94, scoring six goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.

The former Super Eagles winger played an important role in Louis van Gaal’s side as they won the Eredivisie title.

Kanu also arrived in Amsterdam in 1993 after helping Nigeria win the FIFA U-17 World Championship.

The former Arsenal and Inter Milan striker made six league appearances in his first season, scoring twice as Ajax claimed the Dutch title.

Babangida joined Ajax from Roda JC ahead of the 1996-97 campaign and finished his first season with seven goals in 36 appearances.

The winger scored four times in the Eredivisie and added three goals in the UEFA Champions League. One of his most memorable moments came against Atletico Madrid, when he scored the extra-time winner that sent Ajax into the semi-finals.

Arokodare, Ajax’s most valuable player, has now bettered all three records with 13 goals, and his debut season is far from over.

Arokodare maintains impressive scoring form

The 25-year-old, impressing many in Amsterdam, has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring four goals in his last three appearances for Ajax.

He scored twice in their 6-1 victory over FC Midtjylland in European competition earlier in the week, taking his tally to 12 goals.

His strike against Twente made it 13, extending a run that has seen him become one of Ajax’s leading attacking threats.

After struggling to establish himself at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arokodare has found his scoring touch in the Netherlands.

His excellent form has seen him recalled to the Nigerian national team setup after he was snubbed for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.

The former Genk forward will look to lead the Super Eagles attack against Tanzania next week.