Nigeria Players Abroad
Turkey: Nigeria Stars spark Rizespor to emphatic victory Against Trabzonspor
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria internationals Ibrahim Olawoyin and David Akintola were the standout performers as Rizespor secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Both players found the back of the net, marking their first goals of the season in what was a memorable outing for the duo.
Trabzonspor took the lead in the 23rd minute through a strike from Edin Višća, but Rizespor responded just before the break. Amir Hadžiahmetović scored the equalizer on the stroke of halftime, setting up a thrilling second half.
Akintola put Rizespor ahead in the 71st minute with a fantastic goal, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Then, just nine minutes before the final whistle, Olawoyin sealed the victory with a well-taken strike to extend Rizespor’s lead and dash Trabzonspor’s hopes of a comeback.
Olawoyin, who netted eight goals in 36 league appearances last season, and Akintola, who scored once in 13 matches, both demonstrated their importance to the team in this crucial win.
The result lifted Rizespor to 12th place in the Super Lig standings, with 13 points from their opening matches.
