“An important victory” – Super Eagles defender reacts to scoring match-winning goal

The Nigeria international powered his side to the win that keeps the club in the HNL's top two spots

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has expressed his delight at netting the winning goal in Hajduk Split's hard-fought 1-0 win at Rijeka on Sunday.

Hajduk Split's previous match was a disappointing 2-2 draw at home (the Stadion Poljud) to Istra 1961, and another draw would have left the team 13 points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb.

But Awaziem came up with the goods, slamming the ball into the net in the 51st minute to hand Hajduk Split all the three points at stake.

And the Nigeria international could not hide his satisfaction at helping the Whites claim a win that kept them in the title race.

“This was an important victory for us, necessary to get back on the winning track,” Awaziem told Sportnet. “We drew in the last round in Poljud as well, and we can only stay in the race with victories. The whole team did their best.

“I am happy for the goal, which I dedicate to all our fans. It is less important who scores the goal; it is more important that they bring us three points.”

Awaziem has now scored two goals since joining Hajduk Split on loan from Boavista in the summer.

The former Porto man will likely be involved when Hajduk Split next take on Varaždin at the Stadion Poljud.

And with an eleven-point gap to bridge with Dinamo, Awaziem is aware only a victory on home soil will suffice.

The 25-year-old said, “We are shifting our focus to the meeting with Varaždin. We are hoping for a new full trophy to maintain stability.”