Nigerian forward is eligible for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League qualifier after completing his registration.
Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is in line to make his competitive debut for Ajax after being named in the Dutch club’s squad for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League third qualifying round clash against Irish side Shelbourne.
The Nigerian forward has now been registered for the competition, making him eligible for selection after missing Ajax’s previous European fixture due to registration deadlines. His inclusion was confirmed on UEFA’s official squad list ahead of the crucial qualifier.
Arokodare completed a season-long loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Ajax last week, with the Eredivisie giants securing an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
The move marks a return to Dutch football for the 25-year-old, who spent last season with Wolves in England. During the 2025/26 campaign, he scored six goals in all competitions before making the switch to Amsterdam.
Although he was unavailable for Ajax’s earlier Conference League qualifier against Vojvodina because the transfer was finalised after the registration deadline, the striker is now available as the four-time European champions continue their continental campaign.
Arokodare has already given Ajax supporters an early glimpse of his attacking qualities after scoring during an unofficial appearance in pre-season shortly after joining the club. That goal has added to the anticipation surrounding his potential competitive debut.
Before his move to the Premier League, the Nigerian enjoyed an impressive spell with Belgian side Genk, where he emerged as the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer during the 2024/25 season. His goalscoring exploits established him as one of Belgium’s most prolific forwards and eventually earned him a move to Wolves.
While opportunities in England were relatively limited, Ajax identified Arokodare as an important addition to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
If selected against Shelbourne, the Super Eagles striker will have the opportunity to make his first official appearance for Ajax and begin his European journey with one of the Netherlands’ most successful clubs.