Tolu Arokodare says he is determined to work hard for Ajax after marking his unofficial debut with a goal in the club’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Volendam.
The Nigeria international found the net just 17 minutes after coming off the bench, making an immediate impact only days after completing his season-long loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Ajax holding a non-mandatory option to buy.
The 24-year-old arrives in Amsterdam with a proven scoring record despite a difficult first campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arokodare finished as the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League Golden Boot winner after scoring 21 goals in 40 appearances, underlining the finishing ability Ajax hope will strengthen their attack this season.
The striker revealed he has already settled into life at the Dutch giants and praised the atmosphere within the squad.
”The players and the coaches are very welcoming. The mentality is great. The team knows what happened last season and what we have to do this season. When you step onto the training field, you can feel the mentality. Everyone wants to win and return to the top.”
Arokodare also outlined his personal target for the campaign, insisting the team’s success comes before his own achievements.
”I want to help the team by scoring goals. I know how to score. That’s my job. If I don’t score, I try to make it hell for the defenders. If I fight for the team, the individual success will follow.”
The Super Eagles forward said he is happy to contribute whenever called upon, even if that means making an impact from the bench.
”I was a bit like that against Volendam, even though we were ahead. I’m glad I scored. I can come into the field in the last five or ten minutes to score, to hold the ball or to make it difficult for the defenders. I want to work for this team. When you work for the team, you get personal success.”
His encouraging debut offers Ajax supporters an early glimpse of what the Nigerian striker could provide as the club looks to challenge for major honours this season.
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