Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin says he is ‘very happy’ to be back in action for his Turkish Super Lig side Çaykur Rizespor after close to eight weeks out injured, www.aclsports.com reports.
Olawoyin, 27, made his long awaited return in Rizespor’s 5-2 defeat at home to Fenerbahçe on Sunday night. The midfielder came on in the 61st minute to a lively performance even if he could not rescue his side from defeat.
The Nigeria international had been on the sidelines since September 28 when he aggravated an injury against Kasimpasa but he is now relieved that it is behind him.
“I’m very happy to be back because it feels strange for me to be out for more than a month. The last time it happened to me was about five years ago so I’m relieved now,” began Olawoyin to www.aclsports.com from his base in Rize.
“It wasn’t easy watching from home or the stands, knowing I can’t help my team but I am back for good now and that’s all that matters at this point.”
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Rizespor’s defeat to Fenerbahçe on Sunday leaves the side in 11th position on the Super Lig table but Olawoyin expects his side to surge upwards in the coming weeks.
“It’s been a difficult season for us, kind of stop-start but everyone is working extra hard and I will also give my best to help the team climb higher on the league log in the coming weeks,” he added.
With Albanian international Qazim Laci sent off against Fenerbahçe on Sunday, it is expected that Rizespor head coach Ilhan Palut will throw Olawoyin into the starting lineup when Kayserispor visit the Çaykur Didi Stadium on Saturday.
