Tolu Arokodare reveals why he prayed with Wout Weghorst after Ajax draw

A dramatic afternoon between Ajax and FC Twente ended with an unexpected moment of togetherness as Tolu Arokodare and Wout Weghorst remained on the pitch to pray together after their 2-2 draw.

The two strikers had just experienced contrasting emotions in Sunday's Eredivisie encounter at De Grolsch Veste. Arokodare scored early to put Ajax ahead, while Weghorst struck twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, to rescue a point for FC Twente.

Despite being opponents during the match, the pair embraced after the final whistle, held hands and prayed together.

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Speaking exclusively to Foot Africa ahead of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, Arokodare explained that the idea had actually been discussed before the game.

Arokodare reveals why he prayed with Weghorst

The Ajax forward said the two players had wanted to share a moment of prayer before kick-off, but Weghorst's meeting prevented them from doing so.

“Me and Wout, I wouldn't say we're the closest of friends, but we were two players who know of each other. We met before and that was our second time meeting each other.

“But before the game, it was something that we spoke about that we wanted to share a moment in Christ and praise and thank God before the game, actually. But he was having a meeting, so we couldn't do it.

“It was just a moment that came about after the game to thank God for the game, for the injury-free game, and also thank God for blessing both of us each with goals. Just appreciate God and show our gratitude to him and celebrate him and hopefully have an impact with that gesture to show the world the impact of God in our lives.

“We both felt it would be a good moment to celebrate God and that's what it was about.”

The moment attracted attention after footage of the two forwards praying on the pitch circulated online.

Arokodare determined to deliver goals for Nigeria

Beyond the emotional moment in the Netherlands, the 25-year-old also discussed his responsibility as a striker and his desire to become more productive in front of goal for the Super Eagles.

Arokodare acknowledged that scoring goals is central to his role and insisted that he must make the most of every opportunity, whether he starts or comes on as a substitute.

“As a striker, I need to score goals. That's my job for the team. And scoring goals wins games.

“So, I think it's not just for me, for every other striker on the team, on the national team. We have to always try to bring our A-game and score as much as possible as we can.

“But it's about me now. The question is about me. So, I think it's very important for me to use whatever opportunity I get, starting or not starting, coming off the bench, to always try to be in positions and score goals. That's something I'm really working on.”

The forward admitted that improving his goalscoring output is not always easy but stressed that he must remain focused and find ways to respond when things do not go as planned.

“Of course. It's difficult, but at the end, this is my job. It's my job to find the best training session, to find the best way to forget. Instead of having a poor training session, you have to go fast and go straight on your idea for the game.”

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