Tolu Arokodare delivered another outstanding performance for Ajax, combining goalscoring instinct with creative quality to inspire the Dutch side to an emphatic 6-1 victory over FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
The Nigerian striker scored twice and provided an assist as Ajax overwhelmed their Danish hosts at the MCH Arena, extending his impressive scoring run and demonstrating why he is becoming an increasingly influential figure in Amsterdam.
It was a performance that showcased different aspects of his attacking game, with the 25-year-old making his mark as both a finisher and provider.
Arokodare opened the scoring in the ninth minute, rising to meet Oscar Gloukh’s corner and directing a header into the left side of the net.
The early breakthrough continued a remarkable run for the Nigerian, who had now scored in four consecutive matches, but Ajax were unable to maintain their advantage.
Midtjylland gradually found their way into the contest and restored parity in the 28th minute through Friday Etim. The forward capitalised on a dangerous attacking situation, beating Marc-André ter Stegen after getting beyond Thilo Kehrer to make it 1-1.
The hosts threatened to make life uncomfortable for Ajax, but their task became considerably more difficult when Kjell Watjen received a second yellow card in the 43rd minute, leaving Midtjylland with 10 men before half time.
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Ajax returned from the break determined to exploit their numerical advantage, and Arokodare quickly put them back in front.
In the 52nd minute, Abdellah Ouazane supplied the Nigerian inside the penalty area, where he produced a brilliant finish to beat Nordin Bakker and restore Ajax’s lead.
Seven minutes later, Arokodare turned goalscorer into provider. Showing good awareness and composure, he played a well-weighted pass into the path of Owen Wijndal, who made no mistake with his finish to extend Ajax’s advantage to 3-1.
The Nigerian had now been directly involved in all three of Ajax’s goals, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking performance.
He came close to adding another contribution in the 64th minute when Youri Baas delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, but Arokodare sent his close-range header narrowly over the crossbar.
His evening ended in the 70th minute when Ajax manager Michel introduced Marcos Leonardo in his place, with the visitors already firmly in control.
Ajax continued their scoring spree after his departure. Davy Klaassen made it 4-1 in the 67th minute, heading home Thilo Kehrer’s lofted delivery, before Gloukh produced an excellent individual effort from the edge of the box to add a fifth in the 74th minute.
Marcos Leonardo completed the rout eight minutes later, heading home from close range to seal a comprehensive 6-1 victory.
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His previous appearance against AZ Alkmaar had already placed him alongside Steven Bergwijn in the club’s recent history, having reached 10 goals in just 15 appearances. Bergwijn had required the same number of matches to achieve that landmark after joining Ajax in 2022.
Against Midtjylland, however, Arokodare offered another reminder that his value extends beyond the goals he scores. His ability to link play, create opportunities and bring teammates into dangerous positions is adding another dimension to Ajax’s attack.
Having scored twice and supplied an assist against the Danish side, the Nigerian continues to strengthen his position as one of Ajax’s most influential attacking players.
His loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers runs until the summer of 2027 and includes an option to buy. Performances of this quality will only increase the excitement surrounding what he could achieve in Amsterdam.
