FC Cincinnati acquire Nigerian D Chidozie Awaziem
League: MLS ![](assets/images/mls.jpg)
Posted on: 25 Jul, 2024 at 04:41 PM
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