FC Cincinnati acquire Nigerian D Chidozie Awaziem

Field Level Media|published: Thu 25th July, 12:47 2024

May 28, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem (20) controls the ball against Mexico midfielder Orbelin Pineda (31) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

FC Cincinnati acquired Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem from Boavista in Portugal's top flight on Thursday.

The 27-year-old center back is under contract through 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027.

Awaziem arrives following season-ending injuries to FCC defenders Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund.

"We're delighted to have Chidozie join the club," Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright said in a news release. "He's a talented defender with extensive experience at the European and international level. His quality, character and leadership will be a valuable addition to our group, and I'd like to welcome him to Cincinnati."

Awaziem has appeared in more than 250 professional matches since 2015, including top-flight stints at FC Porto (Portugal), Hajduk Split (Croatia), Alanyaspor (Turkey), Nantes (France) and Leganes (Spain).

"It's been a wonderful time I've had with Cincinnati," Awaziem said. "I see the love the fans and everybody has for soccer. I see all the games that Cincinnati have been playing, and this has motivated me a lot to be part of this team and to feel like what it is to be a player for FC Cincinnati and represent this wonderful and amazing club."

Internationally, he has earned 33 caps with Nigeria and was member of the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.

--Field Level Media

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