Nantes deal at risk: Super Eagles star’s wage dispute casts doubt on Boavista exit

The Nigeria international has played in Turkey, Spain, France, Portugal, and Croatia during his short but eventful career

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem may have found himself embroiled in a wage controversy with Portuguese club Boavista, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awaziem’s journey with Boavista began in 2020 when he joined on loan from Porto. His stay became permanent the following year following a €5 million deal.

Strangely enough, the Nigerian defender has yet to grace the field in competitive matches for Boavista since his permanent transfer.

Shortly after inking the four-year contract, Awaziem was loaned to Turkish side Alanyaspor for the entirety of the 2021/2022 season.

The former CD Leganes loanee was then loaned out again to Croatian outfit Hajduk Split last season. There, Awaziem’s commendable performance was rewarded with triumph in the Croatian Cup.

Returning to Boavista post his Hajduk Split tenure, it seems that his association with the Portuguese club is teetering on the brink of conclusion.

Reports indicate that Nantes, the French club where Awaziem was on loan during the 2017/2018 season, are keen on securing the Nigerian defender on a permanent basis.

An agreement between Nantes and Boavista has been successfully negotiated, with Nantes prepared to part with €1.5 million for Awaziem.

However, this promising transfer arrangement has hit a snag due to a contentious disagreement between Awaziem and Boavista.

As per L’Equipe, the core of the contention revolves around the late disbursement of wages owed to the player.

Should the situation remain unresolved, Awaziem can exercise his right to appeal to FIFA, potentially liberating him from contractual obligations by August 16.

If his claim proves successful, he could exit Boavista without any financial encumbrance.
Boavista, however, appear reluctant to release the player on such terms.

As the standoff continues, Nantes are in a state of anticipation. The club benefits from the situation by avoiding the need for a transfer fee altogether.

It is worth noting that Awaziem’s contractual ties with Boavista persist until 2025.