Arokodare: Ajax Are the Biggest Club in the Netherlands and Belong in Champions League
Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has described Ajax as the biggest club in the Netherlands and said the Dutch giants should be playing in the UEFA Champions League.
Arokodare made the comments while speaking about Ajax’s targets for the 2026/27 season. The Amsterdam club are currently competing in the UEFA Conference League play-offs after missing out on Champions League football.
The 25-year-old joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer following an impressive spell in Belgium.
Although he has not yet started a match for Ajax, Arokodare has made a positive start to his time at the club.
“Ajax is of course the biggest club in the Dutch league,” Arokodare told ESPN Netherlands.
“We know that as a team, as players, as football fans. Everyone knows that.”
Arokodare targets Champions League return
Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season and are now fighting for a place in the Conference League group stage.
Arokodare respects the competition but believes Ajax should be aiming much higher.
“With all due respect to the Conference League, but the Conference League is not where Ajax as a team want to be,” he said.
“You want to play in the Champions League.”
The Nigerian striker said helping Ajax return to Europe’s top competition is one of the club’s main targets this season.
“For now we’re in the Conference League, and we’ll focus on what’s in front of us,” he added.
“Our job is to qualify and keep moving towards the position Ajax deserves.”
Focus on FC Sion
Ajax are currently facing Swiss side FC Sion in the Conference League play-offs, with the immediate target being to secure a place in the group stage.
Arokodare said the team must focus on winning matches while working towards a return to the Champions League.
“The most important goal this season is obviously to win matches, win the title and return to the right position,” he said.
“That means qualifying for the Champions League.”
Arokodare has already shown signs of what he can offer Ajax, providing an assist on his Eredivisie debut and gradually earning the trust of head coach Míchel.
The Nigerian forward will now hope to play a bigger role as Ajax look to regain their position among Europe’s leading clubs.
