Super Eagles defender joins Ligue 1 club after Moses Simon exits

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has completed a return to Ligue 1 side Nantes, seven years since he last played for them. 

The French club announced the signing earlier today, confirming that they had acquired the Nigerian defender from MLS side Colorado Rapids on a three-year deal. According to Transfermarkt, they paid €850,000 to fund the move. 

The 28-year-old previously played for the club during the 2017/18 season. He was on loan from Porto. He has since played for six clubs in Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and most recently with Rapids in the USA.  

During his first press conference after signing, he expressed his excitement to return and his eagerness to help Les Canaris win trophies. 

“When the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate for a single second to come back, because for me, Nantes is like home,” Awaziem told the club’s media.

“The people are lovely, the club is great, and I was really looking forward to returning to this environment.

“From a sporting perspective, I want to do everything I can to help the club achieve its goals, win trophies, compete at the highest level against the best teams and bring FC Nantes back to the top.”

Meanwhile, Awaziem’s arrival follows the exit of another Nigerian from Nantes. The Canaries sold talisman Moses Simon to Paris FC earlier in the window.