Ibrahim Olawoyin: Nigerian midfielder inspires Rizespor to comeback win in Turkey

Nigerian midfielder, Ibrahim Olawoyin, produced a man-of-the-match performance on Sunday, helping Rizespor secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Gaziantep in Rize.

The Super Eagles midfielder was making his 28th appearance for Rizespor in the encounter and made his inclusion in the starting lineup count.

Gaziantep held firm against threats from their hosts, and the first half ended goalless.

The second half witnessed a new twist of events as both teams raised the ante of their performances.

It was Gaziantep that took a shocking lead just nine minutes into the restart, with Deian Sorescu scoring from a well-crafted assist from Alexandru Maxim.

The goal seemed to be what Rizespor needed to wake up to reality, and they added pressure on their visitors, which paid off with a goal, albeit an own goal, with Salem M’Bakata turning the ball into his own net.

England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey could have handed Rizespor the lead in the 74th minute but missed his effort from the spot.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Rizespor took the lead, with Olawoyin initiating and finishing up a brilliant team move by heading the ball into the far corner of the net.

The former Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers forward has now registered five goals with an assist this campaign.

Rizespor put the game to rest with a third goal in added time, with Altin Zeqiri putting the icing on the cake.

The impressive victory moved Rizespor to seventh on the table with 42 points from 30 games.

Their next match will be away to Istanbulspor AS after the international break.