Super Eagles star shines as Rizespor compounds Kasimpasa’s woes in Turkey

Super Eagles midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin delivered an impressive performance as Rizespor secured a convincing 3-0 away victory against Kasımpaşa S.K. in Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig encounter, Afrik-Foot reports.

Olawoyin played a key role in sealing the win, providing the assist for the third goal scored by Adedire Mebude with just ten minutes left at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium.

Rizespor had already taken control earlier in the game. Halil Dervişoğlu opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Valentin Mihăilă doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half after an assist from Qazim Laçi.

The final goal came from a strong Nigerian connection. Olawoyin produced a clever pass that allowed Mebude to score his first goal for Rizespor since arriving during the winter transfer window.

Before he was replaced in the 85th minute by Loide Augusto, Mebude stood out as one of the best players on the pitch.

In only his fifth league appearance for Rizespor, the 21-year-old looked comfortable on the right side of the attack. He made intelligent runs, combined well with teammates, fired three shots on target, completed 79 percent of his passes and narrowly missed another scoring opportunity.

Mebude now has one goal and two assists in his first five matches for Rizespor. Signed from K.V.C. Westerlo for just €1 million, he already appears to be a smart piece of business for the Turkish side.

Olawoyin also impressed further forward in midfield. Along with his assist, the Nigerian completed two key passes, succeeded in two of four dribbles, won six of his 12 ground duels and was not dribbled past throughout the match.

The assist was Olawoyin’s first in the league this season, adding to the single goal he scored against Kocaelispor in September.

The victory moves Çaykur Rizespor up to 10th place with 27 points from 24 matches, while Kasımpaşa remain stuck in the relegation zone for at least another week regardless of other results.

Super Eagles prospects: Mebude and Olawoyin

Olawoyin is already a Nigeria international. The 28-year-old made his Super Eagles debut in 2019 and later earned another appearance during the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, he has not featured in recent squads since Eric Chelle became Super Eagles head coach. Strong performances in the second half of the season could help the former Rangers International and Abia Warriors midfielder force his way back into national team consideration.

Mebude, meanwhile, faces an important international decision. Born in London to Nigerian parents but raised in Scotland, the young forward is eligible to represent England, Scotland, or Nigeria at senior level.

Scotland currently hold an advantage after capping him at Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 levels.

Still, he remains eligible for the Super Eagles, and continued strong displays for Rizespor could soon place him firmly on Chelle’s radar.