Nigerian forward David Akintola played a pivotal role in Rizespor’s 2-1 comeback victory over Eyupspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on Saturday, delivering two crucial assists away from home.
Akintola’s day began on a challenging note as he received a yellow card in the 8th minute, which will see him miss Rizespor’s next game against Kayserispor due to accumulating five yellow cards this season.
However, the forward turned his fortunes around in the second half. He assisted Dal Varesanovic’s 55th-minute equalizer, which canceled out Ahmed Kutucu’s 27th-minute opener for the hosts. Akintola then set up Ali Sowe for the decisive winner in the 75th minute, securing all three points for the visitors in Istanbul.
Despite Eyupspor’s persistent efforts to equalize, Rizespor’s defense remained resolute, ensuring the victory. Manager İlhan Palut praised his team’s effort after the game.
“There were two teams trying to play positively; both teams wanted to reflect their own games on the field,” Palut remarked. “There was a close fight on the field. Eyüpspor was the team that won the most duels in the league so far. We asked all our players to contribute defensively. Eyüpspor is a good team, and they know what they want to do. We had a good away win against such a team. I congratulate my players.”
Akintola was substituted for Emrecan Bulut in the 88th minute, while fellow Nigerian Ibrahim Olawoyin, who also impressed during the match, made way for Ayberk Karapo in the 90th minute.
So far this season, Akintola has scored once and provided two assists in 10 league appearances for Rizespor.
