Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start to life at Ajax, scoring just two minutes after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior in the Eredivisie.

Arokodare was introduced in the 62nd minute for Kasper Dolberg and immediately made his presence felt, restoring parity for Ajax two minutes later after Excelsior had taken a 2-1 lead. 

Ajax had taken the lead through Julian Brandt in the 32nd minute, with Dolberg involved in the build-up. However, Lennard Hartjes levelled for the visitors in first-half stoppage time.

Excelsior then completed their turnaround shortly after the hour mark when Aymen Sliti finished at the far post to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

Ajax responded almost immediately, with Oscar Gloukh providing the delivery for Arokodare, who showed good movement and composure before firing past Excelsior goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel. 

The Nigerian forward remained a major threat after his equaliser and came close to completing the comeback.

With three minutes of normal time remaining, Arokodare rose highest to meet Julian Brandt’s corner, but his header struck the woodwork as Ajax were denied a potential winner.

The striker had another opportunity deep into stoppage time, but his close-range effort went over the crossbar as Ajax were forced to settle for a point. 

Ajax dominated much of the encounter and struck the woodwork several times, but could not find the decisive third goal. The Dutch club’s official report noted that both Gloukh and Arokodare hit the frame of the goal during the second half. 

The latest goal takes Arokodare’s tally to six goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions since his summer move to Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

The performance further reflects the Nigerian forward’s ability to make an immediate impact, even when starting from the bench, while adding another goal to an increasingly productive opening spell in Amsterdam.

Ajax will now enter the international break after dropping points at home, with their next Eredivisie fixture scheduled for October 10.

Attention will turn to the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s forthcoming international commitments, with forward Arokodare carrying his strong club form into the national-team environment.