Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after opening his Ajax account in their UEFA Conference League play-off victory over FC Sion on Thursday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The Nigerian forward made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring in the 74th minute and providing an assist in the 87th as Ajax secured a convincing 4-2 win over the Swiss side.
Arokodare, who joined Ajax after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is determined to put last season’s struggles behind him and rediscover the form that made him one of the leading strikers in Belgium.
Speaking to ESPN, the 25-year-old also outlined his ambitions with Ajax, insisting that the Dutch giants belong in the UEFA Champions League.
“I don’t think there’s a real reason or there’s a real excuse,” Arokodare told ESPN. “I think it’s part of the game.
“As players, we have seasons and moments like this in our careers, and it’s something to learn from, that I’ve moved on from, and I’m focused on the new season.
“I’ve been preparing well with the Ajax team and the players, and I’m focused on this season. I’m focused on getting better, focused on better things for myself. Focused on not making the same mistakes I did. That’s all I’m focused on. Not focused on last season.”
Arokodare added that while winning the league title and returning Ajax to Europe’s elite competition remain long-term ambitions, the immediate priority is to continue winning matches and progress through the Conference League.
The striker will now look to build on his impressive introduction and establish himself as a regular contributor for the Amsterdam giants.