Tolu Arokodare: Why Nigerian striker could be handed bigger role at Ajax

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has enjoyed a superb start to the 2026-27 season at Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian forward joined the club from English side Wolves on a season-long loan deal during the summer transfer window, hoping to revive his career and rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Arokodare had joined Wolves after impressing at Belgian side Genk during the 2024-25 season. However, he struggled to replicate that form with the English club as they were eventually relegated, while the Super Eagles star also failed to settle in at the club, showing his quality only in patches.

His move to Ajax has now worked well, with Arokodare finding the net six times and providing two assists across all competitions for the club and his impressive form has gradually made him one of Ajax’s key players.

Tolu Arokodare has had to compete for places in the Ajax attack with Denmark forward Kasper Dolberg and Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, with the three forwards sharing and rotating the role.

While he still has to compete for a place in the starting XI, the Nigerian striker could now be set for a much bigger role as the season progresses.

Ajax suffer Kasper Dolberg injury blow

Denmark forward Dolberg has now suffered a serious injury that could see him spend a considerable period on the sidelines, creating an opportunity for Arokodare to take on more responsibility.

The 28-year-old was with the Denmark national team as they prepared for their UEFA Nations League campaign but suffered an injury during training, dealing a major blow to both Denmark and Ajax.

Dolberg had already scored three goals and provided three assists this season, meaning his absence will be a significant one for Ajax.

The Danish Football Association confirmed that Dolberg suffered a knee injury during training with the Denmark national team on Tuesday and will return to Amsterdam for further assessment.

“Kasper Dolberg suffered a knee injury during training with the Denmark national team on Tuesday. The Danish Football Association has confirmed the news.

As a result, the striker will return to Amsterdam. Anton Gaaei has travelled in the opposite direction. Due to another injury in the squad, the full-back has been added to the Denmark national team selection.”

Where does this leave Tolu Arokodare?

With Dolberg now expected to spend some time on the sidelines, Arokodare could see his playing time increase at Ajax. The Nigerian striker has started some matches and also come off the bench in others, while he has been substituted for Dolberg on occasions when Ajax coach opted for a different approach.

However, Dolberg’s injury could now give Arokodare the chance to establish himself as the senior striker in his absence.

He will be expected to lead the line more regularly and will hope to continue his impressive form for Ajax by using his strength, physical presence and goalscoring ability, which he is gradually rediscovering.

Arokodare’s form has also earned him a return to the Super Eagles setup after he was left out of the squad since last year.

The Nigerian striker will now be in action for the national team during the international break as they face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

After the international break, Arokodare will return to Ajax hoping to maintain his impressive form, help the club compete for silverware this season and potentially do enough to convince them to make his loan move permanent.