Tolu Arokodare earns Nigeria recall after impressive Ajax start

Tolu Arokodare has been recalled by Nigeria for the first time in 10 months after making an excellent start to the season with Ajax.

The 25-year-old striker has quickly become a favourite with supporters at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, having scored five goals and provided two assists in his first eight matches for the Dutch club.

Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had left him out of their plans. The agreement includes an option for Ajax to sign him permanently for about 20 million euros.

His form in Amsterdam has seen him move ahead of Marcos Leonardo and Kasper Dolberg in the club’s current striking pecking order.

That run of performances has earned Arokodare a return to the Nigeria squad after he was omitted from the Super Eagles’ teams for the past two international breaks. Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup, but will continue their campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

Eric Chelle’s side will play Madagascar on 25 September before facing Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.

Arokodare has made 10 international appearances for Nigeria so far. He will nevertheless face strong competition for a starting place, particularly from Victor Osimhen.