Super Eagles journeyman set for Boavista return

The Nigerian international is still looking for stability in Europe after spending the last five years playing for five different clubs across four countries

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem is expected back at Portuguese side Boavista after spending the 2021-22 season on loan at Alanyaspor.

Boavista resumed pre-season preparations this week, with Awaziem one of the players yet to report to the club’s camp.

The 25-year-old centre-back was in the Super Eagles squad that toured the United States, featuring against Mexico and Ecuador.

However, head coach Jose Peseiro did not dress Awaziem for the Afcon-qualifying victories over Sierra Leone and Sao Tome & Principe last month.

But Portuguese daily publication, Record, reports that Boavista granted Awaziem an extended break. He is expected to later team up with his mates ahead of preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.

Awaziem’s journeyman reputation grows

Born in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria, Awaziem moved to join Porto’s youth academy in 2014 at the age of 17.

After making his first-team debut for the Portuguese champions in 2016, Awaziem has spent time on loan in France with Nantes, in Turkey with Çaykur Rizespor, and in Spain with Leganes, before returning to Portugal to join Boavista in 2020.

Boavista finally made his loan deal permanent last August for €5 million, ending Awaziem’s seven-year association with Porto.

The following month, however, Boavista shipped the Nigerian defender to Alanyaspor. In Turkey, he made 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and receiving ten yellow cards.