Nigerian forward David Akintola played a pivotal role as Çaykur Rizespor secured a 2-1 victory over Eyüpspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on Saturday afternoon.
The 28-year-old forward started the match alongside fellow Nigerian Ibrahim Olawoyin, as Rizespor returned to league action after the international break.
Eyüpspor struck first in the 27th minute, with Ahmed Kutucu finding the net.
Earlier in the game, Akintola had missed a chance and picked up a booking inside the first ten minutes.
However, he made up for his early struggles, providing a key assist for Bosnian midfielder Dal Varešanović to level the score for Rizespor.
The Nigerian forward delivered again in the 75th minute, setting up Gambian striker Ali Sowe to put the visitors ahead.
Rizespor held on for the win, a crucial result in their campaign.
Akintola’s performance against Eyüpspor
Akintola, yet to earn a cap for Nigeria's Super Eagles, delivered a stellar 88-minute performance before being replaced by Emrecan Bulut.
He contributed two assists, created two big chances, and completed four key passes.
The former Adana Demirspor forward demonstrated effective ball distribution, completing 26 of his 32 attempted passes for an 81% accuracy rate.
He recorded 53 touches and succeeded in three of five dribbles attempted.
Defensively, Akintola made two successful tackles and won seven of 14 ground duels.
Though he lost his only aerial duel and connected just one of four attempted crosses, his attacking contributions proved decisive in Rizespor’s triumph.
This season, Akintola has registered one goal and three assists in 11 Turkish Süper Lig appearances, underlining his value to the team.
