“We are interested” – Forgotten Super Eagles star set for shock return to Europe with Cypriot champions

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem could be on the move again, with Cypriot champions Pafos FC publicly declaring their interest in signing the experienced Nigerian centre-back, Soccernet.ng reports.

Currently plying his trade in the United States with Colorado Rapids, the 28-year-old is being closely monitored by Pafos as they prepare for their maiden campaign in the UEFA Champions League.

The club's press officer, Christoforos Mattheou, confirmed the interest, stating:

“He (Awaziem) is also a player being considered by the planning committee. It is a difficult case, but we are indeed interested.”

Awaziem has already enjoyed a globetrotting career, having previously featured in Portugal, France, Spain, Turkey, and Croatia.

His European pedigree, which includes spells at FC Porto, Nantes, Leganes, and Hajduk Split, makes him an attractive target for a Pafos side eager to bolster their defence ahead of a demanding continental campaign.

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The Nigerian defender only joined Colorado Rapids in December 2024, signing a one-year deal with an option to extend until 2027. Prior to that, he spent a brief spell at FC Cincinnati, where he made 14 appearances and provided three assists.

So far in the 2025 MLS season, Awaziem has featured 19 times for the Rapids, contributing a solitary assist but also delivering a number of solid defensive performances. His impact in the backline has not gone unnoticed, with Pafos now leading the chase for his signature.

Awaziem’s move to Europe, should it materialise, would see him join a Pafos side riding high after a historic season.

The club, founded just over a decade ago in 2014, won their first-ever Cypriot First Division title and reached the Round of 16 in the UEFA Conference League, edging out AC Omonia 3–2 on aggregate. That encounter was the first all-Cypriot meeting in European competition history.

Keen to make a statement in the Champions League, Pafos see Awaziem’s blend of experience, physicality, and versatility as essential to their European project.

The Nigerian has earned over 30 international caps and was part of Nigeria's squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He made his international debut in 2017 against Togo, a year after being invited for friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg.

Despite his strong CV, Awaziem has yet to receive a call-up under new Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who has overseen five matches since taking the reins.

Still, his future at international level remains open — and a strong European campaign could yet re-establish him in the national team frame. For now, though, all eyes are on whether Pafos can pull off the move.