Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has admitted he is still struggling to regain full fitness after returning from illness ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The 25-year-old made an immediate impact for Ajax on Saturday, scoring just two minutes after coming off the bench in their 2-2 draw with Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
However, Arokodare revealed after the game that he was still feeling the effects of the severe fever that forced him to miss Ajax’s previous match.
Arokodare makes instant impact
Arokodare entered the game in the 62nd minute with Ajax trailing 2-1 after Aymen Sliti had put Excelsior ahead.
He needed only two minutes to level the score, connecting with Oscar Gloukh’s pass inside the six-yard box before finishing to make it 2-2.
The goal was his sixth in nine appearances across all competitions since joining Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has also registered two assists during that run.
Despite dominating possession and registering 33 attempts, Ajax could not find a winning goal and had to settle for a point.
Arokodare’s limited involvement came after he missed Ajax’s 5-1 victory over Willem II because of illness.
The Nigerian admitted that he was not physically ready to play a full match against Excelsior.
“You could see after five or six minutes that I was hunched over because I was tired. I needed this match to realize that I am not yet 100 percent fit. I still feel weak,” he said, as reported by AjaxLife.
“I haven’t recovered as much as I thought. I wanted to start, but I don’t think I could have. We had a tactical training session in the morning and my legs were weak. I was dead after five or six minutes into the match.”
Osimhen absence increases pressure
Arokodare’s fitness will be closely monitored as Nigeria prepare for their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Eric Chelle included the Ajax forward in his 24-man squad, with Nigeria scheduled to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Victor Osimhen’s absence makes Arokodare’s availability particularly important. The Galatasaray striker suffered a right adductor injury on September 4 and is unavailable for the qualifiers.
Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams are therefore among the forwards expected to compete for a central attacking role.
The Ajax loanee is returning to the Super Eagles setup after missing the previous two international windows and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His last appearance for Nigeria came against DR Congo in November 2025.
Arokodare is hopeful the international break will give him enough time to complete his recovery.
“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he said.