Arokodare eyes Kanu’s legacy as he dons Ajax’s iconic 99

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare sat down for his first Ajax interview today at 14:56, shortly after finalising a loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and declared his ambition to follow compatriot legend Nwankwo Kanu by wearing the iconic number 99 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Arokodare explained that joining Ajax offers a chance to fulfil his ambition of improving on the previous season and to aid the club in regaining a place in the Champions League. He stressed that the club must win back its Champions League spot.

He set out clear objectives for his debut season, aiming for Ajax to finish higher than last year and to gel with his teammates. He also wants to create chances and, above all, score goals – the reason he is paid.

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Arokodare praised his famous countryman Nwankwo Kanu, whom he nicknames ‘Papilo’. He recounted meeting Kanu twice – first as a schoolboy and later around an international fixture – and called the former Ajax star a legend in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.

He hopes to walk in Kanu’s footsteps at the Johan Cruyff Arena, wearing the distinctive number 99 as a tribute. The shirt number holds personal meaning for him.

The 99 choice dates back to his youth, when he admired Ronaldinho’s number at AC Milan. When he signed his first professional contract, number 9 was occupied, leaving 99 available, and he believes each season he wears it brings an excellent campaign.

The interview marked Arokodare’s first appearance in an Ajax setting since the loan agreement was completed. He expressed eagerness to begin training immediately and to contribute straight away.