Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has completed a return to Ligue 1 side FC Nantes, signing a three-year deal after leaving Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids.
The French outfit officially confirmed the 27-year-old’s signing on Wednesday via their website, welcoming the Nigerian international back to a club he once called home during a productive loan spell in the 2017–18 season.
Born on January 1, 1997, in Enugu, Nigeria, Awaziem began his football journey at El Kanemi Warriors before moving to Portugal to join FC Porto’s youth ranks in 2014. He made his senior debut two years later and soon earned a loan move to Nantes, where he made 23 appearances and scored once, sharing the pitch with players like Diego Carlos and Nicolas Pallois.
Speaking after sealing his return, Awaziem shared his excitement about rejoining the Yellow and Greens:
“When the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate for a single second to come back, because for me, Nantes is like home. 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.”
Since his first stint in Nantes, Awaziem has had a well-traveled career, featuring for clubs in Turkey (Rizespor, Alanyaspor), Spain (Leganés), Portugal (Boavista), Croatia (Hajduk Split), and the United States (FC Cincinnati and Colorado Rapids).
At the international level, Awaziem debuted for the Super Eagles in 2017 during an AFCON qualifier against South Africa. He has since earned 34 caps, participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Standing at 1.89 meters, Awaziem is known for his strength in aerial duels, solid defensive instincts, and growing confidence in ball distribution, making him a versatile and experienced asset for Nantes as they prepare for the new Ligue 1 campaign.
Le FC Nantes et les Rapids du Colorado sont parvenus à un accord pour le transfert de Chidozie Awaziem. Le Nigérian s'engage pour 3 ans avec les Jaunes et Verts. pic.twitter.com/4nc7pmaZWV
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) July 23, 2025
