“Hearing the stadium singing my name’s great” – Super Eagles star on back-to-back match-winning display

The Nigeria international has gone from zero to hero in a matter of weeks

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has revealed his delight after Hajduk Split’s fans sang his name long after the referee blew the final whistle at the Stadion Poljud on Saturday.

Awaziem is fast becoming a fan favourite in Split after the Nigerian centre-back scored match-winning goals in consecutive games for Hajduk.

Barely a week after netting the only goal in Hajduk Split’s 1-0 win at Rijeka, Awaziem came up with the goods again against Varaždin’.

With the match seemingly heading for a 1-1 draw, Awaziem got on the end of Marko Livaja’s cross to turn home a dramatic winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

The thousands of home fans inside the Stadion Poljud could not contain their excitement as they sang Awaziem’s name long after the end of the game.

It is a complete turnaround in the home supporters’ show of affection for Awaziem, who was whistled after his terrible error led to a goal on his debut against Dinamo Zagreb in August.

Unsurprisingly, Awaziem feels pleased by the home support, quickly pointing out that the feeling is mutual.

“Honestly, I’m very happy; it’s hard for me to describe what I feel, but believe me, it’s fantastic,” Awaziem told Hajduk Digital TV (as per Nacional) after the matchday 12 encounter.

“I am happy that I helped the team to win, this is what I want, Hajduk that always wins, and I am here to do my best.

“Hearing the whole stadium singing my name was a great feeling. They supported us until the very end of the game, they are excellent and I want to thank them for everything.”

Awaziem has now scored three goals in eight games for Hajduk. It is the most goals he has managed for any club in a single season.

The 25-year-old former FC Porto centre-back joined the former Croatian champions from Portugal’s Boavista on a season-loan loan deal.