Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare opens up on his Super Eagles struggles despite impressive club form

As Nigeria prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Tanzania, Tolu Arokodare has addressed his contribution to the Super Eagles and his search for greater consistency in front of goal.

Speaking to Foot Africa in Uyo on Thursday, November 12, the Ajax striker acknowledged that his goalscoring form with the national team has not matched his performances at club level.

Arokodare reflects on club and international form

The forward said adapting to international football requires patience, pointing to the different playing styles and team dynamics involved.

“I am having a very good start in Ajax and I haven't really scored as much with the support it gives to the national team, but I think it's fair to say that every time I come here, playing or not playing, I've done my part, which is helping the team, supporting the team, helping my teammates if I'm playing, if I'm not playing.

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“The training has to help them, we help each other improve and obviously the goals haven't been coming as much as they do in club-side football, but like we all know, playing for your country and playing for a club is different, you know, different styles, different dynamics.”

Arokodare has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026/27 season, recording 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, including seven goals in the Eredivisie and six in the UEFA Conference League.

Super Eagles striker remains patient

Arokodare insisted that he is not allowing the difference in his goalscoring numbers to affect his confidence. Instead, he is focused on continuing to work hard and eventually reproduce his club form in a Nigeria shirt.

“I just have to keep working, I have to keep staying patient, keep staying positive and hoping that I'll be able to replicate the same that I do at my club.”

His international numbers, however, are more modest. The 25-year-old has scored one goal in 10 appearances for Nigeria, with his only strike coming during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

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