Super Eagles’ revelation at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Chidozie Awaziem is on the verge of staging a return to FC Nantes of France, where he had a successful spell on loan two seasons ago, megasportsarena.com gathered.
Although Awaziem was a hit playing under Claudio Ranieri in Ligue 1 back then, his parent club, FC Porto of Portugal refused to sell him in a permanent contract, only to loan him to Rizespor of Turkey last season, but he now appears heading back to familiar hunting ground.
This is sequel to a report that Nantes are eager to have Awaziem back, from his sterling performances with the Super Eagles as a makeshift right-back in the course of their march to bronze at Egypt 2019.
During that competition, Awaziem picked several personal high ratings, as he turned out as the only member of Nigeria’s back-four that played all seven matches at the 2019 AFCON, and helped the country pick a record extending eighth bronze medal overall.
His feats have now opened the door for a major move in the fading days of the summer transfer window, with speculation high that he could be once again donning the colours of Samson Siasia’s former club in the upcoming campaign.
The report by owngoalnigeria.com reveals that Awaziem will likely leave Porto permanently this summer, following progressive talks with Nantes, who are also impressed that the defender did well while on loan at Rizespor in the second half of last season.
Based on his exploits, another Turkish club, Istanbul Basaksehir pushed to sign him but failed to reach an agreement with Porto, but Awaziem could now seal a move to Nantes, despite his initial desire to remain in Turkey and continue his progress following last season’s success.
An insider in Awaziem’s management team confirmed that the in-form star is close to rejoining Nantes, where he spent a happy time on loan two seasons ago, as the Ligue 1 side are willing to sign the 21-year-old dreadlocks-wearing versatile defender.
The source told Owngoalnigeria.com: “The move to Nantes is happening. At a time it looks dead but from all that has happened the past few days Awaziem could join them permanently.
“A fee is yet to be agreed with Porto particularly sell on clause and more but that won’t be a problem.”
