Bosz praises Arokodare after Nigerian striker’s fast Ajax start

Former Ajax and Borussia Dortmund manager Peter Bosz has praised Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare after his strong start to the season with Ajax. Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan with an option for a permanent transfer. He has scored six goals in nine appearances across all competitions and provided two assists, including three goals in the Eredivisie.

Bosz, who now manages Ajax’s rivals PSV Eindhoven, discussed Ajax’s recruitment in an interview with De Telegraaf. He said the club had strengthened significantly by adding experienced players before singling out Arokodare as a distinctive addition to the Dutch league. The PSV manager highlighted the Nigerian’s physical qualities and described him as a type of large striker not commonly seen in the Netherlands.

Arokodare is listed at 1.97 metres, giving Ajax an alternative outlet when the team uses a more direct style of play. The forward opened his Eredivisie scoring account against Telstar on August 30, then scored against PSV and Excelsior in September. His European goals have taken his overall tally to six, underlining the speed of his adaptation after returning to the Netherlands.

Arokodare had struggled for regular playing time during his first season in England with Wolves, although he scored six times in league and cup competitions. Before moving to England, he finished the 2024/25 campaign as Belgium’s leading scorer with Genk. His improved role at Ajax has raised the possibility that the Dutch club could exercise its option to sign him permanently.

The form also gives Nigeria another attacking option alongside Victor Osimhen, with Arokodare offering height, strength, mobility and a different style of threat for the Super Eagles.