Tolu Arokodare: From Lagos to Ajax and a heartfelt anniversary surprise

Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare has gained attention both for his personal background and a recent heartwarming gesture following a match against Fortuna Sittard.

Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Arokodare developed his football skills at the Kash Academy and the Flying Sports Academy before moving into European professional football. His journey took him through KRC Genk in Belgium, where he played between 2023 and 2025.

Following Ajax's 5-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard, Arokodare surprised François Cipido and Marie Jeanne Buvens, two figures closely associated with KRC Genk, to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Arokodare presented the couple with a customized Ajax shirt featuring the number 60 and a congratulatory message, referring to them affectionately as ‘my Belgian grandpa and grandma.’