Ajax learn Tolu Arokodare’s eligibility fate

Tolu Arokodare. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMediax

Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam have received a major boost on Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League third qualifying round clash against Shelbourne, Soccernet.ng reports.

Arokodare completed a season-long loan move to Ajax from Premier League club Wolves last week, with the Eredivisie side holding an option to make the deal permanent for £17 million at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old endured a difficult spell at Wolves, where he struggled to make an impact and failed to replicate the impressive form he showed during his time in the Belgian league.

However, he wasted little time making an impression in Amsterdam, scoring just minutes after coming off the bench in Ajax’s 3-1 friendly victory over Volendam last weekend.

Despite that encouraging display, there had been uncertainty over whether he would be available for Ajax’s Conference League tie against Shelbourne due to registration issues, although the club have now received clarity on his situation.

Soccer Ajax handed major Tolu Arokodare eligibility boost

Ajax host Shelbourne at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday night as they bid to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. The Dutch giants comfortably beat Serbian side Vojvodina 8-2 on aggregate in the previous round to set up this clash against the Irish side.

Ahead of the encounter, Ajax have received a significant boost with Arokodare now eligible to feature after his registration issues were resolved.

According to De Telegraaf, the Nigerian striker is available for selection alongside Marc-André ter Stegen and Julian Brandt, who are also eligible to feature after making moves to the club this summer.

Arokodare missed Ajax’s previous Conference League tie against Vojvodina because he could not be registered in time, but that issue has now been sorted, putting him in line for his official debut against Shelbourne.

The Super Eagles forward recently admitted he is fully focused on making the most of his opportunity at Ajax and hopes to remain at the club beyond this season.

“I can’t say that yet. Ajax is a great team, but the clubs decide. The mentality is there, the people are nice, and the supporters are amazing”, Arokodare had revealed during an interview.

“As a footballer, you want to win and score. If I manage to do that here, naturally I want to stay.”

Arokodare will now be hoping to mark his competitive debut with another impressive performance as Ajax look to overcome Shelbourne and book their place in the Conference League playoff round. 

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin