Super Eagles star’s proposed move back to France’s Ligue 1 collapses

The Nigeria international had a successful spell in Croatia last season and will likely continue his career in Portugal despite interest in his services in France

Boavista defender Chidozie Awaziem’s potential return to FC Nantes has hit a dead end, Soccernet.ng reports.

It seemed that Nantes’ interest in the Nigerian was dwindling, and now it is confirmed from several sources, as per Tribune Nantaise.

Awaziem had initially shown interest in rejoining Nantes, where he had spent the 2017-2018 campaign on loan.

However, the deal has fallen through as Boavista, the Portuguese club that currently holds his contract, decided to cut off all communication with Nantes.

Reportedly, Boavista’s leadership was growing increasingly frustrated with Nantes for dragging their feet on the transfer, a move they saw as an attempt to secure Awaziem for free, thus avoiding a transfer compensation fee of 1.5 million euros.

Awaziem had been embroiled in a dispute with Boavista over unpaid wages, which could have seen him leave the club for free this summer.

Fortunately, both parties have resolved their differences, and Nantes were reportedly prepared to meet the financial demands.

However, following the breakdown in negotiations, there have been no further updates from the Portuguese side.

Boavista have now made it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with Chidozie Awaziem and are gearing up for their next match against Casa Pia, likely with him in the lineup.

Awaziem, who excelled last term at Croatia’s Hajduk Split, has flourished at Boavista, playing a pivotal role in their two victories in the current league season.

They triumphed over Benfica at home with a score of 3-2 and secured another impressive win against Portimonense away with a convincing 1-4 scoreline.