Tolu Arokodare scored shortly after coming off the bench as Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by Excelsior in Saturday’s Eredivisie clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Nigerian striker entered in the 62nd minute before finding the net two minutes later, Bold Sports reports.
Arokodare arrived for the game with five goals and two assists from eight appearances for Ajax this season. He had also scored twice in the Eredivisie before Saturday, while his other three goals came in the UEFA Conference League. His latest strike now takes his overall tally to six goals in nine appearances.
Ajax opened the scoring through Julian Brandt in the 32nd minute. However, Excelsior responded through Lennard Hartjes in first-half stoppage time.
Aymen Sliti then put the visitors ahead in the 62nd minute. Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez responded by introducing Arokodare for Kasper Dolberg.
The substitution quickly changed the contest.
Arokodare needed only two minutes to restore parity. Oscar Gloukh supplied the assist, with the Nigerian forward finishing to make it 2-2 in the 64th minute.
The result means Ajax dropped points at home despite controlling much of the contest.
Arokodare has quickly established himself as a regular attacking option since joining Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July. The deal runs until the summer of 2027 and includes an option for Ajax to make the transfer permanent.
His recent numbers underline his impact. He scored twice against FC Sion in the Conference League on August 27 before adding another league goal against PSV Eindhoven on September 5. He also scored against Telstar earlier in the campaign.
Arokodare’s latest goal also comes shortly after Nigeria recalled him for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Eric Chelle included the Ajax forward in his 24-man squad after leaving him out of the previous two international breaks.
With six goals already this season, Arokodare now heads into the international period with another important contribution for Ajax.
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