Super Eagles transfer: Ronald de Boer’s 2 big expectations for Tolu Arokodare at Ajax

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has received an early vote of confidence from Ajax legend Ronald de Boer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Barcelona and Rangers star is convinced that the Nigeria international has the qualities to make an impact at the Dutch giants.

Only days after completing his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 25-year-old has already caught attention both on and off the pitch. De Boer expects the 1.97-metre striker to offer much more than physical strength, pointing to two key qualities that could make him valuable in Ajax’s attack.

Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan on July 29, with the Amsterdam club paying a £1 million loan fee while covering his full salary. The agreement also includes an optional €22 million (£17-18 million) permanent transfer clause that can be activated in the summer of 2027.

The move gives the Nigerian international a fresh opportunity after a difficult spell in England. Wolves signed him from Genk for £24 million in September 2025, but he scored only three Premier League goals in 33 appearances as the club finished bottom of the table and suffered relegation to the Championship. He ended the season with six goals in 38 matches across all competitions.

His departure from Molineux came after a tense summer. Reports claimed he refused to leave the training pitch during one session and had earlier clashed with new manager Cesar Peixoto. Arokodare denied allegations that he deliberately disrupted training, but the transfer to Ajax quickly followed.

Ajax handed him the famous No. 99 shirt, making him the eighth Nigerian to represent the club after players such as Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George.

De Boer explains why Arokodare can thrive

Before Ajax’s match against Shelbourne on Thursday evening, De Boer noticed something that stood out immediately.

“Did you see him before the match?” De Boer asked presenter Sam van Royen on Ziggo Sport as per FCUpdate “He was standing on the center circle praying. I think he stood there praying alone on the center circle for five or ten minutes. Then he went back inside.”

Once the game approached, the former Netherlands international explained the two qualities he expects Arokodare to bring to Ajax.

“I expect that he also has speed, so that you can use him on the counter-attack as well. I have also heard that his technique is pretty good. He won’t be Mika Godts, but he’ll be fine. I don’t know him well otherwise. We’ll see.”

De Boer’s assessment suggests Ajax see Arokodare as more than a traditional target man. His pace could make him dangerous during quick transitions, while solid technical ability should allow him to link play despite his towering frame.

Arokodare has already made an encouraging start. He scored on his Ajax debut in a 3-1 pre-season victory over FC Volendam on August 2, finding the net just days after arriving in Amsterdam.

The striker is also now eligible to feature in Ajax’s UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign after registration issues that initially delayed his European availability were resolved.