The Nigerian striker scored his fifth goal of the season, but Ajax could not avoid defeat against PSV in Amsterdam.
Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start to life at Ajax on Saturday, scoring again despite the Dutch giants suffering a 3-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie.
PSV made a fast start at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and took the lead inside five minutes through Ricardo Pepi.
The visitors worked the ball into the Ajax penalty area following a cross from Ivan Perišić, with Pepi reacting quickest to head PSV in front.
Ajax responded and found their equaliser in the 23rd minute through Arokodare.
The Nigerian striker received the opportunity inside the box and produced a composed low finish into the far corner to make it 1-1.
It was Arokodare’s fifth goal since joining Ajax and his fourth consecutive match with a goal, underlining the strong form he has shown since arriving in the Netherlands.
However, Ajax’s hopes of going into the break level were ended in stoppage time when Lutsharel Geertruida scored on his debut to restore PSV’s lead.
Ajax tried to fight back after the restart and created opportunities, but PSV remained organised and protected their advantage.
The visitors eventually sealed the victory in the second-half stoppage time when Esmir Bajraktarević found the net to make it 3-1.
Arokodare was substituted in the second half as Ajax searched for another goal, but PSV held on comfortably to claim the three points.
The defeat was a disappointing result for Ajax, who were unable to make home advantage count against their title rivals.
Arokodare pushing for Super Eagles return
Despite the defeat, Arokodare’s continued goalscoring form will be a major positive for the Nigerian forward.
The striker joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window and has quickly made an impression in the Netherlands.
His latest goal takes his tally to five for the season and strengthens his reputation as one of the Nigerian forwards currently making an impact in European football.
Arokodare last played for Nigeria in November 2025 during the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup play-off against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He was subsequently left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the striker continuing to find the net regularly for Ajax, his performances could put him back in contention for a place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.
For now, Arokodare will be looking to maintain his scoring run and help Ajax respond when they return to league action.