Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start at Ajax, scoring with a powerful header in their 1-1 draw against NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerian forward opened the scoring with a well-timed run and a commanding header from Jorthy Mokio’s cross, sending the ball beyond goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz. Arokodare celebrated by holding up the shirt of teammate Kasper Dolberg, who will miss the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
NEC responded through Tjaronn Chery, who converted a penalty after Mokio brought down Noë Lebreton inside the box.
Ajax had opportunities to extend their lead before half-time. Oscar Gloukh failed to capitalise on a pass from Julian Brandt, while Mokio struck the crossbar with an effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The visitors threatened after the restart, with Chery having a second goal ruled out for offside. Ajax introduced debutant Simon Adingra as they searched for a winner, but struggled to establish control. Marcos Leonardo shot wide, Brandt fired over and goalkeeper Crettaz denied Abdellah Ouazane. Late chances for Ouazane and Adingra also went unconverted.
Despite the dropped points, Arokodare continued to demonstrate his value in attack. He recorded 34 touches, completed 10 of 17 passes and won five of his six aerial duels, while registering two shots.
The goal takes his Eredivisie tally to four and his total across all competitions to seven. His continued contribution since arriving at Ajax is an encouraging sign as the season progresses.
The draw leaves Ajax five points behind league leaders Feyenoord.
