Arokodare Scores Fifth Ajax Goal in Defeat by PSV

Tolu Arokodare’s fifth goal of the season could not save Ajax from a 3-1 defeat by PSV, but it strengthened the Nigerian striker’s case for a return to the Super Eagles.

PSV took the lead within four minutes at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Ivan Perisic sent in a deep cross, Ruben van Bommel headed it across goal and Ricardo Pepi finished from close range. Arokodare, on loan from Wolves, equalized in the 23rd minute with a low shot that bounced in off the far corner.

The goal extended his scoring run to four straight matches for Ajax, where he has made a strong start. PSV restored their lead with the final kick of the first half, when debutant Lutsharel Geertruida volleyed in from a corner. Esmir Bajraktarevic completed the victory with a low finish in the second minute of stoppage time.

Ajax goalkeeper Matej Kovar made five saves, and Ajax finished with 19 attempts to PSV’s 13. The home side nevertheless could not find another equalizer. Ajax have now gone five Eredivisie home matches without a win and trail PSV by six points, although they have played one fewer match.

Arokodare last played for Nigeria in November 2025 in a 2026 World Cup playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was left out of the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but his current form could improve his chances of being recalled to Eric Chelle’s team.