Transfer window: Chidozie Awaziem joins Konyaspor on a two-year deal

The transfer is now official. Chidozie Awaziem leaves FC Nantes to join Konyaspor, a Süper Lig club in Turkey. The Nigerian center-back has signed a two-year contract with the Konya-based team and will wear the number 15 shirt.

The signing ceremony took place at the Konyaspor museum, located inside the club’s stadium, in the presence of Ali Camgöz, head of the football division for the Turkish side. With this signing, Konyaspor is banking on the experience of a player who is well-versed in both European and international competitions.

An experienced defender with a varied career

At 29, Chidozie Awaziem boasts an impressive footballing journey. Trained in Nigeria, he joined FC Porto’s academy, where he launched his professional career. With the Portuguese giants, he quickly tasted top-flight football before embarking on a series of loan spells.

The defender notably played for Nantes, Rizespor, Leganés, Boavista, Alanyaspor, and Hajduk Split, before venturing into Major League Soccer with FC Cincinnati and then Colorado Rapids.

His time at Nantes, where he recently returned, allowed him to reconnect with Ligue 1—a league he knows well from his initial spell during the 2017-2018 season.

A mainstay for the Super Eagles

A Nigerian international, Awaziem has established himself as a regular for the Super Eagles. Since his debut in 2017, he has earned over 30 caps for Nigeria and featured in several major international tournaments, including the 2019 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

A versatile defender, capable of playing centrally or on the right, he is valued for his strength in duels, aerial ability, and composure when building from the back.

Konyaspor banking on his experience

With this signing, Konyaspor aims to bolster its defense with a player accustomed to demanding environments. After several years of moving between clubs and leagues, Awaziem is now looking for stability in Turkey and hopes to play a key role in the club’s ambitions.

This new chapter also represents a fresh opportunity for the Nigerian international to reignite his career at the highest level and remain a regular contender for a place in the national team.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.