In a powerful display of sportsmanship and solidarity, Tolu Arokodare celebrated his seventh goal of the season by honoring his injured Ajax teammate, Kasper Dolberg.
The towering Nigerian forward needed just seven minutes to make a major impact during Ajax’s home clash against NEC.
Rising high above opposition defenders to meet a pin-point cross, Arokodare powered home a brilliant header into the back of the net to give the Dutch giants an early lead.
However, it was his post-goal tribute that captured the hearts of fans. Rather than celebrating individually, Arokodare immediately held up Kasper Dolberg’s No. 9 jersey. Dolberg is currently facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.
While the emotional gesture was praised across social media, Arokodare humbly revealed after the match that the idea was sparked by Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen had previously paid a similar tribute to his direct rival Mauro Icardi following a serious ACL injury. Knowing the impact of such solidarity, Osimhen encouraged Arokodare to do the same for Dolberg.
“I wanted to do something like this,” Arokodare admitted candidly after the game. “Actually, it wasn’t my own idea; Osimhen told me, ‘You should do something like this,’ and I did it. I thank him for that.”
The touching moment highlights the growing influence and leadership of Osimhen among his Nigerian teammates abroad, proving that compassion and unity remain at the heart of the game.
