Nigerian duo Omeruo and Olawoyin share Christmas spoils after thriller in Turkey

Nigerian duo of Omeruo and Olawoyin went head-to-head in Turkey. (Photo Credit: Pulse Sports)

Nigerian duo Omeruo and Olawoyin share Christmas spoils after thriller in Turkey

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:57 - 25.12.2023

Kenneth Omeruo hosted Ibrahim Olawoyin in a thrilling Christmas day encounter in the Turkish Super Lig.

There was no love lost between Kenneth Omeruo and Ibrahim Olawoyin following an entertaining clash between Kasimpasa and Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Omeruo and Olawoyin were in action as Rizespor came from behind to snatch a point after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Christmas day.

Omeruo vs Olawoyin

The Nigerian duo were on the pitch from start to finish, with Olawoyin helping his side to a valuable away point from an interesting central midfield role. 

The former Enugu Rangers midfielder was in his element, helping his club deny Omeruo’s Kasimpasa a first win in three matches in the Super Lig. 

Ibrahim Olawoyin put on a show for Rizespor in central midfield.
Ibrahim Olawoyin put on a show for Rizespor in central midfield. (Photo Credit: Rizespor/X)

Olawoyin, 26, put on a good show in the middle of the park, completing the most dribbles in the game, six, and also winning the most duels, ten. 

While he completed just 67% of his passes, it was defensively that the former Rangers playmaker impressed the most. He made five interceptions, and seven recoveries and won 100% of his aerial duels. 

Kenneth Omeruo celebrates one of the Kasimpasa goals with a teammate.
Kenneth Omeruo celebrates one of the Kasimpasa goals with a teammate. (Photo Credit: Kasimpasa/X)

For his compatriot, Omeruo, there would be no clean sheet this time for him and his defensive partners. 

The former AFCON winner had a quiet night after winning just two of five attempted aerial duels and making one interception.

What the result means

While the home side remained winless in three matches, Olawoyin’s Rizespor, inspired by the impressive two-goal hero, Adolfo Gaich, extended their unbeaten run to seven matches across competitions.

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On the Super Lig standings, Rizespor sit seventh with 26 points, just three points above Kasimpasa in ninth. 

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