Dutch football legend Rafael van der Vaart has questioned why Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare is not part of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle’s plans for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Arokodare has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Ajax since joining the Dutch club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Nigerian forward has quickly become a popular figure among the supporters, scoring five goals and providing two assists in eight appearances.
His form has now attracted the attention of Van der Vaart, who believes the striker deserves serious consideration for the Super Eagles.
Van der Vaart praises Arokodare’s qualities
Speaking about the Nigerian striker, Van der Vaart described Arokodare as a proper centre-forward who knows how to operate inside the penalty area.
He also praised the striker’s ability to combine with his teammates, pointing out that his contribution is not limited to scoring goals.
“He is a proper striker in the box and also not bad with his combination play. He has to work on certain areas in his game but overall he is a very good option to have in attack.”
Van der Vaart’s comments came after Arokodare was left out of Ajax’s latest matchday starting line-up because of a bout of fever. The striker remained on the bench during the game, but his recent performances have continued to generate positive discussion in the Netherlands.
‘It is surprising’ — Van der Vaart
The former Netherlands international admitted that he was surprised to learn that Arokodare would remain in Amsterdam during the international break because he had not been included in Nigeria’s plans.
“I learnt he will be around for the international break because he is not in the plans of the coach of Nigeria. That is surprising, but it will work well for him to continue working on the areas in his game.”
Arokodare has not featured for Nigeria since November, when he was involved during the country’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying playoff campaign.
Arokodare’s strong start at Ajax
The 25-year-old has made a bright impression since arriving at Ajax. His goals in both domestic and European competition have helped him establish himself as an important attacking option under head coach Míchel Sánchez.
Ajax confirmed that Arokodare joined the club on a season-long loan, with an option for the Dutch side to make the transfer permanent.
His current form has naturally led to questions from Nigerian supporters, especially with the Super Eagles preparing for their next AFCON qualifying fixtures.
Nigeria’s attacking options under discussion
Chelle has several attacking players available to him, but Arokodare’s physical presence, finishing ability and hold-up play could offer the national team another option in the final third.
Van der Vaart’s comments do not guarantee that Arokodare will receive a call-up in the future, but they underline the attention the striker is receiving after his impressive start in Amsterdam.
For now, Arokodare will use the international break to continue working on his game at Ajax. Meanwhile, his performances are likely to keep the debate over his place in the Super Eagles squad alive. 🇳🇬
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