Tolu Arokodare scores, assists as Ajax beat Sion 4-2 in UCL play-off
Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare made an instant impact off the bench, scoring a goal and providing an assist as Ajax overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat FC Sion 4-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off in Switzerland. Ajax trailed at halftime after Franck Surdez scored for Sion in the 34th minute. The Dutch side responded strongly after the break, with Julian Brandt equalizing in the 53rd minute from the edge of the box. Marcos Leonardo put Ajax ahead five minutes later, heading home a cross for his first official goal for the club. Sion restored parity from a penalty in the 71st minute after a VAR-upheld foul call on Jorthy Mokio. Ajax immediately replied: Arokodare, who had just been introduced, rose to head home in the 74th minute to retake the lead. Three minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Davy Klaassen, who lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 4-2. Arokodare was named man of the match for his goal and assist.
The result gives Ajax a commanding advantage heading into the second leg, while Arokodare’s performance highlights his ability to influence games at short notice—a valuable trait for both club and country. For Nigerian fans, it reinforces his growing reputation in Europe and raises questions about his role with the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming qualifiers.
Will Arokodare’s impact earn him a regular starting spot at Ajax, or will rotation limit his exposure on the European stage?