Arokodare double helps Ajax secure European progress against Sion

Ajax secured a place in the Conference League with a 5-2 win over FC Sion at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare scoring twice after being selected ahead of Marcos Leonardo and Kasper Dolberg.

Arokodare, who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was named in Michel Sanchez’s starting line-up and made the most of his opportunity in front of the home supporters.

Asked by Ziggo Sport why he had been chosen to start, the striker replied: “Why was I in the starting line-up? That’s the coach’s decision.”

He added: “I don’t know why I was chosen this time. The coach decides. It was my turn, I think. Maybe Kasper or Leonardo will play next time.”

The 25-year-old was delighted with his contribution, although he placed Ajax’s qualification above his personal achievement.

“I try to be there for the team every week, whether I start, come on as a substitute or remain a substitute,” said Arokodare. “Of course I’m naturally happy with my goals, but above all I’m pleased about qualifying for the final phase of the Champions League.”

The match also produced a memorable individual display from Sion’s young forward, who scored a hat-trick despite ending up on the losing side.

“By the way, I’m also happy for Sion’s striker, a young player who scored a hat-trick. Congratulations to him too!” Arokodare said.

His first goal came after an Abdellah Ouazane cross, although the Nigeria international needed two attempts to convert the chance. He initially failed to make proper contact with the delivery before reacting quickly to fire the rebound into the net and put Ajax 3-2 ahead.

Arokodare joked about the scrappy nature of the finish when asked about the move.

“Yeah, that’s what we train for. It was planned. Quality, pure quality,” he said.

He then added: “No, sometimes you need a bit of luck. I’m happy I got a second chance after that first touch.”

Ajax extended their advantage after the interval, with Arokodare completing his brace following an impressive team move. The goal helped the Dutch side move to 5-2 and underlined the attacking quality they had shown as the game progressed.

“That’s when we really showed our qualities as a team. It was real Ajax football,” said Arokodare, who has won 10 international caps for Nigeria.

“We scored in the same way afterwards, but Ollie’s second goal was disallowed for offside.”

The result sent Ajax through to the Conference League, while Arokodare’s two goals ensured his first start of the evening became a decisive one. His performance also strengthened the competition for places in Sanchez’s attack, where Leonardo and Dolberg had been preferred on other occasions.