Transfers: Azubuike joins Çaykur Rizespor

Former Nigeria U23 captain Okechukwu Azubuike has joined Turkish Spor Toto Division One side Çaykur Rizespor, www.aclsports.com reports.

Azubuike, 25, who was in his final year of his contract at Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir has found playing time hard to come by this season under head coach Emre Belozoglu and has now left the capital club for promotion hopefuls Rizespor.

Azubuike who played a significant role in Basaksehir’s league triumph in 2020 has made just one appearance for the side this season; a league cameo against Giresunspor on October 31.

The former Sivasspor defensive midfielder has now made a return to Rizespor after a successful six-month loan spell at the club in 2019 during which he scored one goal in fourteen impressive appearances.

Rizespor announced the deal on their social media platforms on Friday night:

“Çaykur Rizespor has reached an agreement in principle with Medipol Başakşehir for the transfer of Okechukwu Godson Azubuike to our club.

“The 25-year-old midfielder has participated in the preparation camp of our team, and the official procedures will be completed with the opening of the transfer season,” read the club statement.

The club is expected to register the midfielder when the Turkish transfer window opens on January 12 with Azubuike expected to make his debut for the club against Ankara Keçiorengucu who currently has Ibrahim Olawoyin on their books on January 14.

Rizespor are currently placed sixth on the Turkish Division One table, eight points adrift of table toppers Eyupspor.