Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare scored for a fourth consecutive match, but Ajax were beaten 3-1 by PSV Eindhoven in a high-profile Eredivisie contest at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday.
The 25-year-old’s latest goal was his fifth in all competitions since moving to Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has now found the net in each of his past four appearances and has scored in consecutive league fixtures for his new club.
PSV made the stronger start and went ahead after only five minutes. Ivan Perisic delivered a deep cross, Ruben van Bommel sent the ball on and Ricardo Pepi met it with a header that gave the visitors the advantage.
Ajax responded in the 23rd minute, with Arokodare restoring parity. The striker collected the opportunity in the centre of the penalty area and struck a low right-footed shot which bounced into the far corner.
The home side could not carry that momentum into half-time. PSV moved back in front during the first minute of added time, when Lutsharel Geertruida found the far corner with a volley.
Ajax pushed for another equaliser after the interval but were unable to break through a PSV defence that protected its lead. The visitors then completed the scoring in the 92nd minute, as Esmir Bajraktarevic finished a quick counter-attack with his left foot after being set up by Sven Mijnans.
The result lifts PSV Eindhoven to the top of the Eredivisie table with 13 points from five matches. Ajax are fifth on seven points after four games.
Arokodare’s consistent scoring has nevertheless provided a major positive for Ajax and could strengthen his case for a return to the Nigeria squad.
The forward endured a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring only a handful of goals during a campaign that ended with relegation. His early performances in the Netherlands have offered a sharp contrast, with the striker quickly recovering his goalscoring form at Ajax.
Arokodare received his first call-up to the Super Eagles in March 2025 and made his international debut on 21 March in Nigeria’s 2-0 away win against Rwanda. He scored his first goal for the national team on 6 June 2025, netting in a 1-1 friendly draw with Russia.
His most recent appearance for Nigeria came in the November 2025 CAF play-off final, when the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo. That defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Competition for places in attack remains intense, but Arokodare’s regular goals and performances for a prominent club such as Ajax give him a strong opportunity to return to Eric Chelle’s plans. His form could be particularly significant with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers ahead.