Nigerian star Ibrahim Olawoyin started the New Year on an impressive note after scoring in his side Çaykur Rizespor 2-0 win over Hatayspor in a Turkish Super Lig game played at the Çaykur Didi Stadium on Saturday.
Olawoyin who is a regular feature in Ilhan Palut’s side continued in central midfield position alongside England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as Rizespor hoped to start the new year with a positive result to continue their good run of form.
Former Ankara Keçiorengucu side Olawoyin was involved in some of his side’s positive play early on but it was Dal Varešanović that gave hosts Rizespor the lead in the 19th minute to break the Hatayspor resolve. The Bosnian midfielder cushioned Muhammet Taha’s cross inside the box before unleashing a ferocious half volley on the turn into the top right.
Hatayspor had Super Eagles invitee Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in their starting lineup and he thought he already had an assist midway through the first half but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside call.
Olawoyin then had his own assist for Rizespor chalked off in the 53rd minute after striker Adolfo Gaich had expertly finished his slide and rule pass but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overruled the on-field decision.
Great start to the year. Grateful for the goal and important win. Thank you for the support always. The project keeps moving. Alhamdulillah
— Ibrahim Olawoyin (@brymzy10) January 6, 2024pic.twitter.com/nkeQdrDWPa
The Rizespor Number 10 was however not to be denied eight minutes from time when he exhibited an exceptional movement to meet Casper Hojer’s low cross which he looped over Hatayspor goalkeeper Erce Kardesler for this third league goal of the season and give Rizespor some sort of Insurance.
Olawoyin’s goal came barely ten minutes after his coach Palut moved him to the Number 10 role – having started the game as part of the double pivot in their 4231 system. With the introduction of Mithat Pala for Varešanović, the former Rangers International star moved to the position vacated by the first goalscorer.
The win takes Rizespor to fifth position on the league table as the Rize based side extended their unbeaten run to seven league matches. They face Besiktas in a rescheduled game on Tuesday, also at home.
