CD Leganes of Spain defender, Chidozie Awaziem has come out with words of appreciation to God for helping him overcome the discomfort of lockdown and for allowing football to stage a return, megasportsarena.com reports.
Unlike France and Belgium that cancelled their seasons, after delays caused by coronavirus, the Spanish LiLiga s back in full swing, and Awaziem says all thanks has to be to God; especially as the 23-year-old stopper-cum-right-back recalled how uncomfortable he was during the lockdown.
He went on confess that he considered going into something else during the three months that football was on suspension in Spain, as it appeared like they would not be able to play matches any longer this year, and the period was very tough for him to cope psychologically and mentally.
However, while the player on loan from FC Porto of Portugal admitted he is deeply happy to see football back in full swing in Spain, he is praying fervently for the end of COVID-19 and that his club will overcome their ongoing battles against relegation even as he acknowledged that he and his teammates must step up their efforts in their remaining games of the season.
Ironically, for their latest match this past Tuesday, Awaziem got off the bench in place of his Nigerian compatriot and fellow-central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, who suffered an injury in their 3-0 loss to Sevilla at Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
Omeruo had to make way for Awaziem after just seven minutes into the game, amidst fears that the former Chelsea of England fringe player had injured his hamstring, which could see him miss Leganes’ upcoming match against basement team, Espanyol.
Observers noted that the incidence of Omeruo’s injury is not ideal for Los Pepineros, as they are battling to stay afloat in the Spanish top-flight, with only five matches to end the season, but the deeper thought on Awaziem’s mind is how to give enough thanks to God for making it possible for action to resume at all in the first place.
Awaziem said: “I feel very happy to be able to play football again after a very long stop. I was very afraid that football was not going to return again; it was a very scary moment for me. I even began to find a second option if football doesn’t return.
“But, thank God, it came back and we have the opportunity to play again. Now I just pray and hope that the outbreak ends soon and does not come back to take the sport and claim lives (of people) again.”
