Tolu Arokodare, a striker for the Super Eagles, recently completed a season-long loan move to Dutch Eredivisie side AFC Ajax with an option of €22 million to buy him permanently, as reported by Afrik-Foot. This transfer marks a new chapter in his career and follows a tumultuous period at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he faced conflicts with the coaching staff and was excluded from first-team preseason training. Here are five interesting things Ajax fans should know about Arokodare.
1. Golden Boot Winner in Belgium
During his time at Genk, Tolu Arokodare won the Belgian Golden Boot for the 2024/25 season. He finished as the top scorer of the Belgian Pro League with an impressive 21 goals in just 30 games. This achievement highlights his offensive prowess and his ability to perform at a high level in Europe.
2. Career Spanning Five European Countries
Arokodare’s professional journey is quite diverse, having played for clubs across five different countries: Latvia (Valmiera), Germany (FC Köln), France (Amiens), Belgium (Genk), and England (Wolverhampton Wanderers). His move to Ajax now makes it six countries in his career. This experience has undoubtedly broadened his skill set and made him a versatile player.
3. Recipient of the Ebony Shoe Award
Tolu Arokodare is also proud of winning the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award, which recognizes the best-performing player of African descent in the Belgian Pro League. He won this award for the 2025 season, making him the sixth Nigerian to receive it after Paul Onuachu and others. This accolade underscores his skill and consistency on the field.
4. Second Tallest Player at Ajax
Standing at 1.97 meters, Arokodare is now the second tallest player in the Ajax squad behind Aaron Bouwman, who stands at 1.98 meters. His height will provide Ajax with a unique advantage, particularly in aerial duels and physical confrontations.
5. Lagos Born and Raised
Contrary to his European accent, Tolu Arokodare is originally from Lagos. He grew up in Festac Town and began his youth career playing for local academies like Kash Academy and Box2BoxFC before moving abroad in 2019. This background makes him relatable to many Nigerian fans who can see a part of themselves in his story.
