Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare has explained why he started on the bench in the 2-2 draw against Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday evening.
The Nigeria international, who joined the Eredivisie giants on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, was introduced in the 62nd minute, replacing Kasper Dolberg.
Arokodare made an immediate impact after coming on, converting a cross from Oscar Gloukh into the roof of the net two minutes later.
Speaking to ESPN, the Super Eagles star revealed that a lack of full fitness was behind his omission from the starting XI, admitting that he realised after just five or six minutes that he was still feeling tired.
“You could see after five or six minutes that I was hunched over because I was tired,” Arokodare was quoted as saying by Ajax Life.
“I needed this match to realize that I am not yet 100 percent fit. I still feel weak.
“I haven't recovered as much as I thought. I wanted to start, but I don't think I could have. We had a tactical training session in the morning and my legs were weak. I was dead after five or six minutes into the match.”
Arokodare was, however, pleased to have come on and expressed hope that he would fully recover during the international break as he joined the national team.
“I am happy that I was able to come on, though. Hopefully, I will recover fully during the international break,” he added.
Arokodare has enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign, scoring six goals and providing two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
His impressive performances have earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.
The striker will now be hoping to regain full fitness during the international break and continue his impressive form with the Nigerian national team
Adeyemi Adewale
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