How Tolu Arokodare can help Ajax return to the Champions League

Tolu Arokodare believes Ajax belong back in the Champions League, and the Nigerian striker could play an important role in helping the Dutch giants reclaim their place among Europe’s elite, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old arrived in Amsterdam from Wolverhampton Wanderers after a difficult Premier League campaign, but his early impressions have been shaped by a club culture he believes is built around winning.

“At Ajax, everyone has a winning mentality. They always want to be the best,” Arokodare said in an interview posted by Ajax’s official page.

That mentality is important because Arokodare’s ambition goes beyond simply helping Ajax navigate their current European campaign.

“With all respect for the Conference League, the Conference League is not where Ajax as a team wants to be.

“You want to play in the Champions League,” the former KRC Genk striker said in quotes revealed by ESPN NL.

For a striker who has only just arrived, those are bold words, but they also provide a useful indication of how Arokodare sees his responsibility at Ajax.

Arokodare can give Ajax the goals they need

The most obvious way the Nigerian can contribute to Ajax’s Champions League ambitions is by providing goals.

Arokodare scored 23 league goals for Genk in 2024-25 before his move to Wolves, establishing himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Belgium. His Premier League campaign was considerably more difficult, but Ajax presented an opportunity to rediscover that goalscoring form.

His physical profile also gives the Amsterdam club something different. At 1.97m, Arokodare can occupy defenders, compete in the air and provide a focal point for attacks when opponents make it difficult for Ajax to play through them.

That matters even more after Mika Godts’ move to Paris Saint-Germain for €55 million. Ajax have lost an important attacking outlet and will need other players to compensate for his production.

Arokodare does not need to replace Godts directly. Instead, he can change how Ajax attack.

A physical striker of his size can create more space for Ajax’s attacking midfielders and wide players. If he also converts those opportunities consistently, the Nigerian can become a major part of the team’s route back to the top.

His mentality fits what Ajax are trying to rebuild

Arokodare’s comments about Ajax’s mentality may be just as significant as his goals.

“The most important goal for this season is obviously to win matches, win the title and return to the right position. Namely qualification for the Champions League,” the lanky striker continued.

That is the challenge facing Ajax. The club cannot rely on their history or reputation to return to the Champions League. They have to win consistently enough in the Eredivisie to earn that opportunity, and Arokodare appears to understand that.

He also spoke highly of Míchel, describing the Ajax coach as someone with a “fighter mentality” and explaining that this is one of the qualities he admires about the Spaniard.

Míchel has already stressed that Ajax need players capable of dealing with the pressure that comes with representing the club. Arokodare, meanwhile, has embraced an environment he describes as having a winning mentality.

Ajax need more than Arokodare

The Nigerian, however, cannot restore Ajax to the Champions League alone. His goals will need to complement a team capable of controlling matches, defending consistently and handling the pressure of challenging for the Eredivisie title.

Arokodare has already shown that he can contribute even without starting, providing an assist on his league debut against PEC Zwolle after coming off the bench.

The next step is turning those flashes into sustained production, and that could make his Champions League ambition more than just a statement.