Forgotten Super Eagles forward Ibrahim Olawoyin finally made his mark on the new campaign, netting his first goal of the season to help Çaykur Rizespor secure a crucial point in their Turkish Super Lig Round 6 clash against Kocaelispor on Sunday.

The 27-year-old’s strike gave Rizespor a momentary lead, but the visitors ultimately settled for a 1-1 draw at the Yıldız Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu.

Ibrahim Olawoyin breaks his duck in Super Lig showdown

For Olawoyin, it was a personal breakthrough — and for Rizespor, a small but vital lifeline in a season that has already shown early signs of struggle.

The match began as a tense, cagey battle with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield.

Chances were limited until stoppage time of the first half, when Rizespor finally found their moment of inspiration.

In the 46th minute, Olawoyin delivered the oening goal, sparking relief for the away side and joy for their travelling supporters.

But Rizespor’s joy was short-lived. Just minutes later, they conceded a penalty after a defensive lapse.

Bruno Petković stepped up for Kocaelispor and converted with ease, leveling the contest at 1-1 before the half-time whistle.

Rizespor’s struggles continue despite Olawoyin’s spark

The second half was an open contest, with both teams pushing for a winner. Olawoyin remained lively in attack, linking play and pressing high, but neither side could find the breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a share of the spoils.

For Rizespor, it marked yet another frustrating result in a stuttering start to their Super Lig campaign.

With only one win from their opening five games, and now sitting 13th on the table with just five points, the team faces mounting pressure to turn things around.

Olawoyin’s goal, however, provided a glimmer of hope. As one of the side’s more experienced attackers, his confidence in front of goal could prove key in lifting Rizespor away from the lower half of the table.

They next face Kasimpasa at home on Sunday — a fixture that already feels like a must-win.

Wider Nigerian impact in Europe

Elsewhere in Europe, fellow Super Eagles stars made their presence felt. In Italy, Ademola Lookman returned to action for Atalanta, coming off the bench in a convincing 3-0 away win over Torino in Serie A.

In Belgium, midfielder Raphael Onyedika delivered another composed performance for Club Brugge, helping his side control the game in a 2-0 victory against STVV in the Pro League.

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Last Updated on September 21, 2025 8:58 pm by footballrover