Tolu Arokodare Ajax debut ends in a goal as the Nigerian striker scores in a pre-season win over FC Volendam

Tolu Arokodare, Nigerian striker and new Ajax forward, marked his first appearance for the Dutch giants with a goal on Sunday as Ajax defeated FC Volendam 3-1 in a pre-season fixture at the Kras Stadion in Volendam.

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The debut provided an encouraging start for the 25-year-old forward, who came off the bench in the 71st minute to replace Marcos Leonardo before sealing the victory with Ajax’s third goal of the afternoon.

Arokodare capitalised on a defensive mistake inside the Volendam penalty area, reacting quickly to a poorly cleared ball before calmly finishing to complete the scoring for the Amsterdam club.

The goal added a positive moment to the beginning of Arokodare’s new chapter at Ajax following his season-long loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, which includes an option for the Dutch side to make the transfer permanent.

Ajax had already established control of the match before Arokodare’s arrival, with Anton Gaaei opening the scoring before Leonardo doubled the advantage.

The Nigerian forward joined Ajax after an impressive spell with Belgian club Racing Genk, where he developed a reputation as a powerful and consistent goalscorer.

During his time in Belgium, Arokodare scored 31 league goals in 79 appearances before securing a £24 million move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2025.

His first season in England proved more challenging, with Arokodare scoring three goals in 33 appearances as Wolves struggled during a difficult Premier League campaign that ended with relegation to the Championship.

The striker’s final period at Wolves was also marked by controversy after the club accused him of disrupting training during discussions over his future. Arokodare rejected the allegation and insisted he had always maintained professional standards.

“Throughout my career, I have always taken great pride in conducting myself professionally and maintaining the highest training standards,” Arokodare said in a statement shared on social media.

The move to Ajax represents an opportunity for the forward to rebuild momentum at one of Europe’s most respected football institutions.

The club, which finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season, will compete in the UEFA Conference League this campaign if it successfully navigates the qualifying play-offs.

Arokodare’s early impact will offer encouragement to Ajax supporters hoping the Nigerian can provide additional attacking strength and rediscover the goalscoring form that made him one of Belgium’s standout forwards.

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For the striker, a debut goal in Amsterdam provides a valuable confidence boost as he begins his pursuit of a successful spell in Dutch football.