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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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