Chidozie Awaziem

Chidozie Collins Awaziem (born January 1, 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who primarily plays as a centre-back. He is recognized for his physicality, versatility, and experience gained across several European leagues and on the international stage with the Nigerian national team.Early Life and Career Genesis Awaziem was born in the city of Jos, Nigeria. He began his footballing journey in Nigeria before moving to Portugal to pursue a professional career. He joined the youth academy of Primeira Liga club FC Porto in 2014, where his defensive abilities quickly earned him a place in the reserves.Career Progression and Club Football Awaziem started his senior career with FC Porto B, making his debut in the Segunda Liga in 2014. His solid performances led to his promotion to the first team, FC Porto, where he made his Primeira Liga debut in 2016. To gain more consistent first-team experience, Awaziem embarked on several loan spells. His first significant loan move was to French club FC Nantes in Ligue 1 for the 2017–2018 season, where he impressed with his defensive consistency. Following his time in France, he returned to Portugal for a spell with Boavista FC. Awaziem later moved to Spain, joining CD Leganés in La Liga, and subsequently spent time in Turkey with Alanyaspor in the Süper Lig, solidifying his reputation as a versatile defender capable of adapting to different tactical environments. He has also featured for Hajduk Split in the Croatian First Football League and most recently plays for Boavista FC.International Career and Major Achievements Awaziem has been a crucial member of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, since his debut in 2017. He was part of the squad that competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and played a key role in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. His defensive strength and reliability have made him a recurring selection for Nigeria’s major tournaments and qualifying campaigns, including the 2021 AFCON. Awaziem remains an active part of the Super Eagles setup, contributing to their ongoing efforts in international competitions.