Tolu Arokodare made a positive start to life at Ajax on Sunday, providing an assist on his competitive debut as the Dutch giants opened their 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign with a 2-0 victory away to PEC Zwolle, Trybal News reports.
The Nigeria international began the match on the bench before being introduced in the 73rd minute, with Ajax still searching for a goal despite controlling much of the encounter.
Arokodare made an immediate impact just three minutes after coming on.
The 25-year-old striker showed good composure inside the penalty area to control a cross with his chest before setting up Jorthy Mokio, who finished from close range in the 76th minute to give Ajax the lead.
Ajax had been given an advantage earlier in the second half when Zwolle defender Sherel Floranus was shown a straight red card, leaving the hosts with ten men.
The dismissal allowed Ajax to increase the pressure, with manager Míchel Sánchez turning to his substitutes as his side looked to make the numerical advantage count.
Arokodare’s introduction proved particularly effective, with his physical presence and ability to hold up the ball adding another dimension to Ajax’s attack.
The visitors eventually secured all three points when Julian Brandt scored in stoppage time to complete a 2-0 victory.
The assist represents an encouraging first contribution for Arokodare following his move to Amsterdam from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The striker joined Ajax on a season-long loan in July, with the deal running until the summer of 2027 and including an option for the Dutch club to make the transfer permanent. Ajax moved for the forward to add greater physical presence to their attacking options.
Arokodare arrived in Amsterdam after a productive spell at Belgian club KRC Genk, where he finished as the Jupiler Pro League’s leading scorer in the 2024/25 season. He subsequently moved to Wolves before making the switch to Ajax.
Standing at 1.97 metres, the Nigerian provides Ajax with a different profile in attack and offers an aerial threat as well as the ability to operate as a focal point for the team’s forward play.
His immediate involvement in the opening goal will provide a boost as he begins the process of establishing himself in Sánchez’s plans.
Ajax will next turn their attention to European competition when they travel to face Shelbourne in the second leg of their Conference League qualifying tie on Thursday. The Amsterdam club hold a 3-1 advantage from the first leg.
For Arokodare, the focus will now be on building on an encouraging first appearance as Ajax continue their campaign across domestic and European competition.
