According to a report by Goal.com on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare delivered an impressive performance for Ajax, scoring a late goal and providing an assist to help the Dutch club secure a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League.

The Nigerian forward came off the bench to make a decisive impact at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam. Introduced in the 66th minute in place of Marcos Leonardo, Arokodare helped Ajax overcome their difficulties in front of goal and claim their first points of the league phase.

Ajax had created several chances throughout the match but struggled to find a way past Atalanta’s defence. Despite controlling large parts of the game, the home side was unable to turn its attacking pressure into a goal during the opening stages.

Lucas Rosa came close to giving Ajax the lead when his effort struck the post early in the encounter. The Dutch side continued to search for a breakthrough, but Atalanta remained difficult to break down until Arokodare’s introduction gave the hosts an additional attacking option.

The Nigerian striker finally opened the scoring in the 87th minute. He controlled a long pass from Youri Baas, used his physical strength to get past his marker and advanced towards the Atalanta goalkeeper. With only Marco Carnesecchi to beat, Arokodare kept his composure and finished the chance to put Ajax ahead.

His contribution did not end with the opening goal. In stoppage time, Arokodare turned provider by setting up teenage substitute Abdellah Ouazane for Ajax’s second goal. Ouazane finished the opportunity in the 90th minute, giving the home side a comfortable two-goal advantage and securing the victory.

The result was particularly important for Ajax because they had lost their opening Conference League league-phase match 2-1 away to Hajduk Split. The defeat against the Croatian side had left the Amsterdam club needing a positive response, and the victory over Atalanta provided an opportunity to get their European campaign back on track.

Arokodare’s performance also demonstrated the value of having effective attacking options on the bench. Although he did not start the match, his ability to score and create a goal changed the outcome of the contest.

For the Nigerian international, the goal and assist represented a significant contribution to Ajax’s European campaign. His strength, movement and composure in front of goal helped the Dutch side turn sustained pressure into a result, while his overall display highlighted his ability to influence important matches even when introduced as a substitute.