Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem produced one of the weekend’s standout performances in Ligue 1, recovering from an unfortunate own goal to score a late equaliser as Nantes earned a 1-1 draw against Lorient on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old centre-back endured a difficult moment on the cusp of half-time when he diverted a cross past his own goalkeeper to give Lorient the lead at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
But Awaziem responded with remarkable composure and authority, rising highest in the dying minutes to head home his first goal of the season, and his first for the club since returning in the summer.
Beyond the emotion of redemption, Awaziem delivered a technically assured display. He completed a team-high and match-leading 92 passes and registered a 93% accuracy rate, the best among all players who featured for 45 minutes or more.
His distribution under pressure helped Nantes maintain territorial control for long stretches of the second half.
The draw keeps the Canaries outside the relegation zone, sitting 15th on 11 points from 13 matches, level with Lorient, who trail due to a poorer goal difference.
Nantes are now unbeaten in two games and will travel to Lyon next Sunday seeking a climb up the table, with Awaziem expected to remain central to their defensive stability.
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Orban denied by VAR as Echegini fires PSG Féminines to victory
In Italy, Gift Orban endured a frustrating afternoon as VAR cancelled what would have been his third Serie A goal of the campaign in Hellas Verona’s 2-1 home defeat to Parma.
Orban appeared to have given Verona an early advantage in the eighth minute, finishing sharply from close range, only for the Video Assistant Referee to rule the effort out for offside.
Parma capitalised, with Mateo Pellegrino scoring twice, including a composed late lob, either side of Giovane’s equaliser for the hosts. Verona remain winless after 12 league matches, rooted to the bottom of the table with six draws and six defeats.
Meanwhile in France, Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini made her mark with her first goal of the season as PSG Féminines cruised to a 4-1 win over Saint-Étienne.
PSG, seeking a response after back-to-back Champions League losses, dominated early through goals from Sakina Karchaoui and Romee Leuchter. Although Saint-Étienne briefly threatened a comeback, Isabela’s header restored control in the 80th minute before Echegini capped the performance in stoppage time with a calm finish.
The win keeps PSG three points behind leaders Lyon, while Saint-Étienne remain 11th with four points from eight matches. Echegini now has three goal contributions this season and continues to grow in influence, even as compatriot Rasheedat Ajibade remains sidelined with injury.
