Two Nigerian stars were in action on the afternoon, but Olawoyin was on the winning side
Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was helpless as his Hatayspor side fell to a 2-0 defeat to Ibrahim Olawoyin’s Caykur Rizespor side at the Caykur Didi Stadyumu, Soccernet.ng reports.
One-time Super Eagles invitee Olawoyin maintained his place in Rizespor’s starting eleven, while his counterpart Dele-Bashiru was on the other end for Rizespor.
Both players were snubbed on coach Jose Peseiro’s squad list for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, making them available for selection at their clubs.
Rizespor were on the front foot from the blast of the whistle and looked more dangerous in the attack. However, Hatayspor got an opportunity in the eighth minute, orchestrated by Dele-Bashiru.
He got a ball that was bubbling in the box, drove forward, and sent a wicked cross into the box, which was deflected into the net by Carlos Strandberg. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Then, in the 19th minute, Rizespor took the lead through Dal Varesanovic. The home side eventually took the lead into the break.
In the second half, Hatayspor dominated the exchanges, but they lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Meanwhile, Rizespor created better chances. They even scored a goal, which was ruled out for offside.
Nonetheless, in the 82nd minute, Olawoyin scored the second goal for Rizespor to seal his side’s 2-0 victory.
Aside from his goal, Olawoyin registered 41 touches, one dribble, three tackles, and four shots, and won six of his 12 duels.
