Tolu Arokodare: Super Eagles striker reveals Ajax trophy target — “That’s the aim”

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has been in fine form for Ajax, scoring seven goals and two assists in 10 games since making his loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 25-year-old forward's most recent goal came in Saturday’s 1-1 league draw against NEC Nijmegen, breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute and celebrating by paying homage to Kasper Dolberg, who suffered an ACL injury.

However, Tjaronn Chery equalised from the penalty spot, leaving the hosts frustrated after dropping two points. Ajax are currently 5th on the Eredivisie table, five points behind league leaders Feyenoord.

Tolu Arokodare targets trophies with Ajax

Speaking in an interview with Footy-Africa, the former Genk striker made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond him finding the back of the net.

“We’re going to try to win everything that’s there to win, everything that we can win, every competition we’re playing in and participating in,” the Nigerian said.

The Super Eagles striker also explained what Ajax’s stature means for the expectations of the team, and the players individually.

“That’s the plan, that’s the aim, that’s the point of our season. We’re Ajax, so we always want to be the best, be number one.

“Every game we play and every competition we’re participating in, we’re trying to win it,” he added.

Arokodare’s ambition comes as Ajax seek to re-establish themselves among the leading clubs in the Netherlands. The Amsterdam side finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season and are looking to improve that position this term.

The Nigerian joined from Wolves in July after a difficult spell in England, where he was kept out of training due to an ongoing transfer saga. However, Ajax's loan gave him an option to express himself elsewhere, with the Dutch giants including an option to make the deal permanent.

His goalscoring return has offered some encouragement, although the draw against NEC showed that individual contributions do not always translate into victories.

Super Eagles striker lauds Ajax fans

Beyond the football, Arokodare says the reception he has received from the fans has helped him settle into life at his new club.

“It’s been pretty good. It’s been lovely, it’s been amazing,” he continued.

“The Dutch people have been amazing so far. My teammates have been great. The club has been outstanding. I love it. I love the people.

“I love the style of football. I love the fans so much. They’re very, very supportive.

“They show me so much love on the pitch and outside the pitch, like in my messages, in my DMs and everything I see, and I appreciate the love.

“So it’s been amazing,” Arokodare concluded.

With seven goals already across all competitions this season, the lanky striker will look to maintain his form and help Ajax turn their ambitions into trophies.