French Ligue 1 side Nantes have continued their long-standing association with Nigerian stars, bringing in another Super Eagles star weeks after sanctioning the departure of Moses Simon
Chidozie Awaziem has completed a sensational return to Ligue 1 club FC Nantes, signing a three-year contract that brings him back to familiar territory just weeks after the departure of fellow Nigerian international Moses Simon.
The 27-year-old joins the Yellow and Green from Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids.
His move was officially confirmed by the French club on Wednesday, a homecoming for a player who previously impressed during a loan spell at Nantes in the 2017/18 campaign.
Awaziem, who began his career at El Kanemi Warriors in Nigeria, burst onto the European scene after joining FC Porto’s youth setup in 2014.
He made his senior debut in 2016, and just a year later, Nantes brought him in on loan. He played 23 matches and netted once, lining up with established defenders like Diego Carlos and Nicolas Pallois.
Now, the Enugu-born centre-back is back at a club he holds dear.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate for a single second to come back, because for me, Nantes is like home,” said Awaziem.
“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.”
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Since his initial spell in France, Awaziem has been somewhat of a globe-trotter.
His resume features stints in Turkey with Rizespor and Alanyaspor, Spain’s Leganés, Croatia’s Hajduk Split, and Portugal’s Boavista — where he enjoyed arguably his most consistent run, featuring in 59 games.
He also had brief spells with FC Cincinnati and Colorado Rapids in the MLS.
Awaziem made his debut for Nigeria in 2017 in a high-profile AFCON qualifier against South Africa. Since then, he has earned 34 caps and represented the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Standing at 1.89 metres, Awaziem is recognised for his aerial dominance, physicality, and improving distribution—qualities that will be crucial as Nantes look to rebuild after a transitional summer.
His return follows closely on the heels of Moses Simon’s exit. Simon, a fan favourite and club legend, departed on July 1st after six seasons, during which he became Nantes’ all-time assist leader.
Interestingly, Awaziem becomes only the third Nigerian to don the Nantes jersey, following in the footsteps of Simon and former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia.
With Ligue 1 just weeks away from kicking off, Nantes will be hoping their returning Nigerian warrior can help restore solidity at the back and possibly reignite the club’s aspirations for European competition.