Former Rivers United star Michael Stephen has become the latest Nigerian forward to join a Kazakhstan club in the winter transfer market, following in the footsteps of Victor Moses and Samson Iyede, who were signed by Kaisar and Zhenis Astana respectively.

Through official channels, Kazakhstan Jogorku League side Toktogul announced the signing of Stephen on Tuesday, without disclosing the financial terms or the length of his contract.

Stephen is 26 years old and previously turned out for teams in Nigeria, Ukraine, Kuwait, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Vietnam and Moldova. 

Apart from Rivers United, he has represented Lobi Stars, Wikki Tourists, Inhulets Petrove, Al-Arabi, TP Mazembe, Wadi Degla, Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Milsami Orhei in the past.

He has been described as a talented player known for his strong physical ability, speed, and determination to win.

Stephen put himself in the shop window after scoring seven goals in 19 appearances for his former club, Milsami Orhei, and he will be best remembered for the hat-trick he netted against Floresti in October 2024.

Meanwhile, Victor Moses is currently in Turkey with the Kaisar squad as they step up preparations ahead of the new Kazakhstan top-flight season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel