The Ajax striker answered his own promise to step up in Victor Osimhen’s absence, and his display has strengthened his case to lead the line.
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Tolu Arokodare was named Player of the Match after scoring twice off the bench in the Super Eagles’ 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. The Ajax striker made his mark after coming on at half-time for Tochukwu Nnadi.
Nigeria led through Alhassan Yusuf’s early goal, but Tanzania pegged them back before the break. Arokodare restored the lead in the 52nd minute and added another in the 60th, as the Eagles took control.
Before the game, he admitted he had not matched his Ajax goalscoring form for Nigeria and promised to step up in Victor Osimhen’s absence. He then delivered. Readers following the Super Eagles can see the Bet9ja welcome promo walkthrough.
Head coach Éric Chelle praised Arokodare as a world class finisher when he plays inside the box. The coach singled out his finishing in the area as the difference after the break.
At club level, Arokodare had 12 goals and four assists in 16 appearances for Ajax before the international break. He is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he is among the most in-form Nigerian strikers in Europe right now.
Osimhen is out following knee surgery, and Chelle invited Akor Adams, Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Usor to share the burden. Arokodare’s display makes a strong case for leading the line. Readers curious about betting offers can read about common Bet9ja promo questions.
Nigeria are second in Group L with six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau. The return leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, kicking off at 2:00pm WAT.
Ademola Lookman’s knee knock is the main worry for the return leg, but Arokodare’s form gives Chelle options. Usor, Adams and Awoniyi are also in camp.
Arokodare’s fine run has changed the No. 9 conversation for Nigeria. Can he keep scoring in Zanzibar? New Bet9ja users can look up YOHAIG code for Bet9ja account opening.
Nigeria will hope his goals travel well.
📌 Did You Know?
- Ajax have a €20 million option to make Arokodare’s loan move permanent.
- Arokodare headed Ajax in front inside the first few minutes of their 2-2 draw at FC Twente on November 8.
- He scored twice and set up another goal in Ajax’s 6-1 Conference League win at FC Midtjylland on November 6.
- Arokodare is 25 years old.
- Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 45 appearances for the Super Eagles.
