Arokodare appreciates Ajax fans after scoring to rescue point against Excelsior
Super Eagles’ Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start to life at Ajax after coming off the bench to rescue a 2-2 draw against Excelsior in the Eredivisie.
The Nigerian striker needed only two minutes after his introduction to level the scores, producing a clever flick to deny Excelsior victory after the visitors had fought back from behind.
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Arokodare later thanked the Ajax supporters for their backing, writing on social media: “Thank you for the support always. See you in October.”
Arokodare makes instant impact
Ajax appeared on course for another comfortable victory when Julian Brandt opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.
Excelsior responded just before half-time through Lennard Hartjes before Aymen Sliti completed their comeback by putting the visitors 2-1 ahead in the 62nd minute.
Arokodare had been introduced only moments before Sliti’s goal, but he immediately changed the game.
The 25-year-old found the net in the 64th minute with a well-executed flick to restore parity and complete an influential substitute appearance.
He attempted nine shots during his 28 minutes on the pitch, the most recorded by a substitute in a single Eredivisie match since records began in the 2010-11 season.
Nigerian forward continues rich form
Arokodare has now scored six goals and provided two assists in nine appearances across all competitions this season.
That means he has already matched the total number of goal contributions he registered for Wolves throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Ajax pushed for a winner after the equaliser, while Excelsior also had opportunities to reclaim the lead, but neither side could find a decisive third goal.
The draw leaves Ajax fourth in the Eredivisie with 14 points from seven matches, two behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. Excelsior moved up to seventh on 11 points.
Arokodare will now turn his attention to international duty after being included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau on September 25 and 29 respectively.