Arokodare makes instant impact for Ajax with debut goal and assist

Tolu Arokodare scored his first official goal for Ajax and later provided an assist for Klaassen as the Dutch side beat FC Sion 4-2 in the Conference League play-off on Thursday.

The Nigeria striker, who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he opened the scoring with a header. His goal proved important for Ajax, who were leading 3-2 in the closing stages before extending their advantage to 4-2 through Klaassen.

Arokodare was clearly delighted to mark his Ajax debut with a goal, although his attempted celebration did not go entirely to plan. He tried to slide across the pitch on his knees after scoring, but the movement failed to produce the effect he had hoped for.

“I am happy to have scored my first goal for Ajax. I scored for my supporters, even though we were not playing at home, and I am delighted,” Arokodare said after the match.

His effort followed the same pattern as Marcos Leonardo’s first official Ajax goal, with both players finding the net with headers. The celebrations, however, were rather different in their execution.

“I did not feel the knee slide at first, but I do now. The ball was touched several times and I am happy that it hit my head,” Arokodare added.

The result gives Ajax a two-goal advantage to take into the second leg, but their performance against FC Sion underlined the challenge still facing them. The Swiss side remained competitive and kept the contest close before Ajax secured the win late in the match.

Arokodare acknowledged that Ajax could not afford to underestimate their opponents when the teams meet again at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

“Of course, it will not be easy, because they are a good team,” he said.

The striker also urged Ajax to focus on their own approach rather than trying to unsettle FC Sion during the return fixture.

“We should not try to destabilise them, but play as usual. I hope we win and can celebrate again with our supporters,” Arokodare said.

His goal and assist provided an immediate contribution after his introduction, while Ajax’s four-goal victory put them in a strong position ahead of the return match. The Amsterdam club will now look to complete the job at home and progress from the Conference League play-off.