FC Cincinnati have signed Nigeria Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem from Portuguese top-flight club Boavista, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
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The 27-year-old centre-back signed a one-year contract with the American side until 2025, with options to extend through 2026 and 2027.
“We’re delighted to have Chidozie join the club,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager said in a press release today. “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.”
“I've been following up Major League Soccer for quite a number of years now,” Awaziem said to FCCincinnati.com. “When I spoke to Cincinnati, it was really an amazing time and it was a wonderful conversation on what I could be with this club.”
“I had heard a lot about Cincy, and I watched their games (Awaziem would correct himself to say ‘our games’ with a smile) and how they've been performing in Major League Soccer and which is very, very good. And I see that support so I'm here right now to give my own support and help to the team.”
Awaziem brings his rich experience in Europe to bear with time in Portugal at Porto and Boavista, in Spain at CD Leganes, in France at Nantes, Alanyaspor (Turkey), and Hajduk Split (Croatia).
Awaziem will join the club’s roster and become eligible pending receipt of his P-1 visa.
Uche Dozie