Mere minutes after the loss to Charlotte, it was reported by The Post that FC Cincinnati was in advanced negotiations to sign center back Chidozie Awaziem. FCC has now officially announced the acquisition of the Nigerian center back from Boavista FC.
“We’re delighted to have Chidozie join the club,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati general manager, said in an FCC 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’s deal with FCC is through the 2025 season and includes a 2026 and 2027 option, with his eligibility pending upon receipt of his P-1 visa.
Awaziem is a 27-year-old center back who plays for Boavista in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and for the Nigerian national team.
“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.”
He signed for Porto in 2014 after impressing in Nigeria. He was never able to break into the team, and went on loan to four clubs in four different countries throughout Europe.
He signed for his current club in 2021, after playing there on loan in the 2020/21 season. He was then loaned from Boavista to Alanyaspor in the 2021/22 season, and to Hajduk Split in 2022/23. He has since broken back into the squad, playing in 27 matches this past season.
He has featured for the Super Eagles on many occasions. He was selected to their 2018 World Cup but never featured and was in the squad for their previous three appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations. He has 25 caps.
Awaziem is 6 ‘2’. Despite his formidable frame, he is good with his feet, able to play long or diagonal balls, quite fast and can tackle very well. He is an ideal Noonanball center back.
This signing is a relief from the defensive injuries that have ravaged the team. But it isn’t short-term. With Robinson likely to transfer to Europe after this season, Awaziem would be his replacement, slotting in as a RCB in the back three.
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