Chidozie Awaziem impresses as Boavista crawl out of trouble

The Nigerian international was a pillar in defence as the Panthers secured a crucial home win that could eventually help them retain their top-flight status

Chidozie Awaziem was key to Boavista keeping a clean sheet as Jesualdo Ferreira’s side eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Portimonense in a Primeira Liga matchday 33 clash at the Estadio De Bessa on Saturday afternoon.

Awaziem started at the left side of a three-man centre-back and was instrumental to the home side, managing only their seventh league victory of the campaign.

Featuring in his 27th Liga game of the season, Awaziem was a colossus at the heart of defence, making five interceptions, putting in two tackles while succeeding in notching two clearances that bailed his side from danger on a few occasions.

Only for Jackson Porozo to get the all-important winning goal in the 71st minute of the encounter.

The latest victory over Portimonense lifted Boavista to 33 points in 33 matches and out of the league’s bottom three spots reserved for teams to be relegated.

One more win in their last match of the campaign away to Gil Vicente will see Boavista survive the drop and guarantee their participation in the Primeira Liga next term.

Currently on loan from Porto, Awaziem’s temporary deal with Boavista ends in June.