Chidozie Awaziem is quietly producing one of the most impressive defensive campaigns in French football this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
While FC Nantes continue to labour through an inconsistent and often frustrating run of form, the 28-year-old Nigerian has emerged as the club’s most reliable performer. And a new statistics report as reveals that the former FC Porto star is the most effective defender in the entire French Ligue 1.
According to Opta via Tribune Nantaise, Awaziem has completed 128 successful defensive actions across the opening 12 matchdays; more than any other player in the French top flight. The total covers duels won, interceptions, tackles, clearances and other core defensive interventions. No defender in the league currently matches his consistency or volume of work.
His remarkable numbers include 101 clearances, a figure that places him comfortably ahead of rivals such as Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell and OGC Nice’s Antoine Mendy. It is no exaggeration to say Awaziem has become Nantes’ defensive life raft.
Manager Luis Castro has used only one player more often than Awaziem this season and that is captain Kelvin Amian, which further highlights the importance of the Super Eagles star for the Canaries.
Beyond the statistical dominance, Awaziem’s maturity alongside 17-year-old centre-back Tylel Tati has been crucial. His positioning, calmness under pressure and decision-making have offered rare moments of control in a side still searching for rhythm.
Chidozie Awaziem: Ligue 1’s best set for AFCON adventure with Nigeria
While Awaziem is undoubtedly a key figure for Nantes, the former Leganes star remains on the fringes for three-time African champions, Nigeria.
His impressive displays in France has already pushed him back into the national-team picture after he was initially left out by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
The Malian eventually recalled him for the World Cup playoffs against Gabon and DR Congo this month, where Awaziem featured from the bench in both games. He even assisted Nigeria’s last goal for Victor Osimhen in the 4-1 win over Gabon.
With the Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away, Awaziem’s versatility, able to play both centre-back and right-back, could prove decisive. Injuries in defence, particularly to Ola Aina, have opened the door for competition.
Chelle’s preferred centre-backs include William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick, while Bright Osayi-Samuel leads at right-back. But with Aina set to miss AFCON, Awaziem’s form may give Nigeria a timely solution.
Should he maintain this level, the Nigerian who tops Ligue 1’s defensive charts may well find himself back in the Super Eagles’ XI when the continent gathers next month.