The trade could see Cincinnati earn an additional $200,000 in conditional GAM based on performance metrics, with the club also retaining a percentage of future transfer fees for either player within MLS or abroad.

Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the new signings, saying:

“We are excited to welcome Chidozie and Ian to the Rapids. Chidozie is a leader and a powerful defender with vast experience in Europe and on the international stage, while Ian has established himself as an athletic and accomplished defender in MLS.

“Both players are strong fits for our game model and they bring added quality to our group as we look to build off a successful 2024 season and continue strengthening our team.”

Awaziem, 27, arrives after making 14 appearances and providing three assists in his sole season at Cincinnati.

The Nigerian center-back has enjoyed an extensive career in Europe, featuring for FC Porto and Boavista FC in Portugal, as well as Hajduk Split in Croatia, where he won the Croatian Football Cup in 2023.

He has made 33 appearances for the Super Eagles, including six starts during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and an appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With his contract running through 2025 and options for 2026 and 2027, Awaziem adds defensive depth to the Rapids, who are preparing for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Their campaign begins with a Round One clash against Los Angeles FC, with match dates yet to be confirmed. 

The former Rangers International star joined Cincinnati in 2022 from Turkish club Göztepe and has become a vital part of the squad.

Since his arrival, Nwobodo has made 80 appearances and scored twice.

His consistent performances have earned him a spot among the retained players, as confirmed by the club on Monday.

“FC Cincinnati has exercised the contract options on Obinna Nwobodo, Miles Robinson, and Sergio Santos,” the club announced via a statement.

Nwobodo was part of the victorious Rangers team that won the Nigerian Premier Football League title in 2017.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has also been retained by FC Cincinnati.

Awaziem, who joined Cincinnati after leaving Portuguese side Boavista, has been instrumental for the team, contributing significantly to their strong league performance.

The former FC Porto defender was also a part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

However, American center-back of Nigerian descent, Joey Akpunonu will not be returning to FC Cincinnati.

The 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick was loaned to Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship for the 2024 season but has now seen his contract option declined.

Akpunonu made his professional debut in Cincinnati’s U.S. Open Cup victory over Louisville City FC in April 2023 and was part of the squad that secured the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

After securing a narrow 1-0 win in Uyo in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Nigerian team travelled to Benghazi for the second leg.

However, the Libyan authorities, allegedly unhappy with their treatment in Nigeria, sought ‘payback’ and subjected the Nigerian delegation to a harrowing experience.

The Nigerian team’s flight was redirected mid-air to the abandoned Al Abraq airport, where players, officials, and even the Nigerian Football Federation president were left stranded for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet access.

Exhausted and frustrated, the Super Eagles refused to play the scheduled match. It was only after intervention from the Nigerian government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the team was allowed to leave Libya. CAF has since removed the fixture from its schedule pending a disciplinary decision.

After returning from Libya, the players rejoined their respective clubs. Here’s how they fared:

Africa, United States, and Saudi Arabia

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was thrust straight back into action with Chippa United, making four saves in their League Cup clash against TS Galaxy.

Unfortunately, Dzenan Zajmovic’s 103rd-minute goal saw Chippa United lose 1-0 after extra time.

Captain William Troost-Ekong showed no signs of fatigue, playing the full 90 minutes for Al Kholood in their 1-1 draw against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.

In the MLS, Alhassan Yusuf provided an assist for New England Revolution’s second goal in their match against Inter Miami. However, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi led a Miami comeback, securing a 6-2 victory.

Europe

In Portugal, Boavista opted to rest Bruno Onyemaechi, leaving him out of the squad for their 1-0 Taça de Portugal loss to Varzim.

Moses Simon, unshaken by the Libyan ordeal, delivered an impressive performance for Nantes in their 1-1 Ligue 1 draw with OGC Nice, providing an assist for Matthis Abline’s opening goal in the 67th minute. Nice equalised through Evann Guessand five minutes later.

Ademola Lookman struggled during Atalanta’s 2-0 Serie A win at Venezia and was substituted at halftime, still seemingly affected by the experience in Libya.

In Germany, Frank Onyeka was his usual energetic self, playing 85 minutes in Augsburg’s 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Freiburg.

Victor Boniface missed an early penalty for Bayer Leverkusen against Eintracht Frankfurt, his first miss since moving to Germany, but recovered to score the winner in the 71st minute, securing a 2-1 victory.

Unfortunately, hours later, Boniface was involved in a car accident. Thankfully, he escaped with minor injuries and is expected to recover soon.

Samuel Chukwueze, who did not travel to Libya due to injury, returned to AC Milan’s starting lineup and scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Udinese.

Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, also part of the Libyan trip, was in goal for Udinese but could do little to stop Chukwueze’s well-placed effort.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nigeria’s goal-scorer in Uyo, remained on the bench during Lazio’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus.

Raphael Onyedika slotted back into Club Brugge’s starting eleven, providing an assist in their 2-1 Jupiler Pro League win over Westerlo.

In Spain, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke were part of Sevilla’s squad for their match against Barcelona. Ejuke started but was forced off with an injury just before halftime in the 5-1 defeat.

Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel was omitted from Fenerbahce’s squad in their 2-2 draw with Samsunspor.

England Semi Ajayi displayed resilience, playing a solid defensive role in West Brom’s 1-1 Championship draw with Oxford United.

Crawley Town coach Robert Elliot handed Benjamin Tanimu his debut just days after the Libyan ordeal, bringing him on as an 83rd-minute substitute in their 4-1 loss to Reading.

Wilfried Ndidi controlled the midfield for Leicester City in their thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Southampton, while Joe Aribo featured for the Saints.

Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi played the full 90 minutes as Fulham, reduced to ten men, fell 3-1 to Aston Villa.

Finally, Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi have been named in Nottingham Forest’s squad for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace later tonight.

Yusuf, who made his move to Major League Soccer in August 2024, has already played a key role for his new team, helping them secure a vital 1-0 victory over Nashville SC on September 28, breaking a five-game winless streak.

Brandon Bye scored the winner late in the 86th minute, but it was Yusuf’s tireless work in midfield that caught everyone’s attention.

His ability to cover ground and win the ball in deep positions was essential for the Revolution’s control of the match.

Moreira praised the midfielder’s performance, highlighting Yusuf’s presence throughout the build-up to the goal.

“I think as more games go, you’re going to see him be more comfortable,” Moreira said as per the Blazing Musket.

“But it’s what we saw, it’s why we wanted him here, and he’s just scratching the surface because, I said this last time, he’s got a world-class engine.

“You don’t sneak into the Nigerian National Team without having a superhuman power, and that’s his. He’s just got an engine that he can go, and like you saw, he’s aggressive, he’s a little undersized, but you saw aerially, he wins balls. He’s connecting all his passes.”

Yusuf’s arrival in New England is no surprise to Moreira, who had seen the Nigerian international at his best in Europe.

Recalling a memorable performance during Antwerp’s historic 3-2 win over Barcelona in the Champions League, where Yusuf provided an assist, Moreira explained that the midfielder’s quality was evident.

“And it’s just, again, what we saw out of him,” Moreira added. 

“If anyone has any questions about Yusuf, there’s a game that we all saw—it was against Barcelona, and to me, he was man of the match.

“He’s just scratching the surface because he’s got a world-class engine.”

Yusuf’s determination and versatility have already been praised by head coach Caleb Porter.

Porter emphasised the midfielder’s ability to dominate both ends of the pitch, adding that Yusuf, along with other new signings, has quickly adapted to the team.

“He is very rangy, covers a ton of ground, wins balls, and helps our team control games on both sides of the ball,” Porter told the club’s website. 

Yusuf himself is excited about the team’s potential and was relieved to help secure the win.

“We had a really good game in the first half… when you keep going and the goal comes toward the end, it’s kind of a relief. These are really important points for the team,” Yusuf remarked.

The Super Eagles midfielder, who featured in 30 games for Antwerp last season, has already made a significant impact in MLS, appearing in four matches for the New England Revolution, including two starts.

As the season progresses, Yusuf is expected to play an even bigger role as he continues to adjust to life in the United States.

The Top 10 Performers

Chidozie Awaziem: Cincinnati 4 – 1 Montréal

Super Eagles defender, Chidozie Awaziem was solid in the heart of defence for Cincinnati as the club carved out a brilliant 4-1 win over visiting Montréal.

Awaziem capped his fine performance with the assist to Cincinnati’s fourth goal of the encounter.

Paul Ejeh: KuPS Akatemia 2 – 5 Atlantis Helsinki

Ejeh confirmed he is the most in-form forward in the Finnish Ykkönen as he smashed a brace in Atlantis Helsinki’s exciting 5-2 win at KuPS Akatemia.

The Nigerian attacker has managed six goals in his last five league appearances.

Yusuf Usman: Hapoel Haifa 1 – 3 Maccabi Bnei Raina

In Israel’s Ligat Ha’al, Kaduna-born Yusuf Usman was the architect of Maccabi Bnei Raina’s impressive 3-1 victory at Hapoel Haifa.

Haifa led until the 57th minute when Ezekiel Henty assisted Abdallah Jaber’s equaliser for the visitors.

Usman then took over creating the two assists for the winning goals.

Moses Ebiye: St. Johnstone 1 – 2 Motherwell

Warri-born Moses Ebiye found the perfect time to score his first Premiership goal of the season as he found the net in the 94th minute for Motherwell’s winning goal at St. Johnstone.

Mathias Oyewusi: Valenciennes 2 – 0 Nîmes

In an excellent man-of-the-match display, Mathias Oyewusi scored either side of the interval to power Valenciennes to a 2 – 0 National 1 win over Nîmes.

Jasper Uweagbulam: Kraft 1 – 6 GBK

In Finland’s Kakkonen, GBK ran riot at the Mosedal in Närpiö where they strolled to a convincing 6-1 victory against their hosts Kraft.

Jasper Uweagbulam kickstarted the onslaught with his 6th-minute strike and the 29-year-old midfielder completed his brace midway through the second half.

Maduka Okoye: Udinese 1 – 0 Como

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made several key saves as Udinese continued their fine start to the season with an excellent 1-0 win over Cesc Fabregas’s Como.

Former Super Eagles invitee Kingsley Ehizibue sent in the brilliant cross that led to Udinese’s winning goal. 

Udinese have now managed two wins and one draw in their first three Serie A games to share the top spot with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Torino.

Olisa Ndah: Orlando Pirates 2-0 Cape Town City

Nigeria international Olisa Ndah was the inspirational captain and defensive rock for Orlando Pirates as they defeated Cape Town City to advance to the final of the 8 Cup.

Moses Simon: Montpellier 1 – 3 Nantes

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon scored for the second consecutive game to inspire Nantes to a fine away victory at struggling Montpellier on Saturday.

Compatriot Akor Adams equalised for Montpellier after Matthis Abline had given Nantes a 24th-minute lead.

However, Simon kept his cool to score from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time to restore the Yellow Canaries’ lead.

Gift Orban: Lyon 4-3 Strasbourg

Lyon were trailing 1-3 when Gift Orban was introduced from the bench in the 59th minute.

Two minutes after Ainsley Maitland-Niles reduced the deficit for the hosts, Orban connected with an Alex Lacazette cross to make it 3-3.

https://twitter.com/Ligue1_ENG/status/1830370046004121812

The 21-year-old forward then met Fofana’s cross with a stunning header to net the winner and hand Lyon their first win of the season.

Honourable Mentions

Ehije Ukaki: CSKA Sofia 0 – 1 Botev Plovdiv

Nineteen-year-old defender Ehije Ukaki was the difference maker for Botev Plovdiv as he scored the winning goal in their narrow away win against CSKA Sofia.

The win takes Botev Plovdiv to within three points of Bulgarian league leaders Levski Sofia with a game at hand.

Jesse Sekidika: Kapaz 2 – 3 Sabah

In the Azerbaijani Premyer Liqa, Jesse Sekidika was among the goals as Sabah overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 away win at Kapaz.

Dessers has constantly been on the move in recent years. Before his transfer to Rangers last year, he had played at eight different clubs in three different countries.

This summer, there were strong talks that the 29-year-old striker was on the radar of Serie A club Cagliari and Greek side PAOK, but nothing concrete has materialized.

The Super Eagles star has already played five games across all competitions with three goals and one assist to his name this season. And it appears that Dessers will remain at Rangers this season except a mouthwatering bid arrives, which is unlikely.

Nonetheless, the Nigerian could have easily been at a different club by now. This is as transfer expert Luca Bendoni revealed on Tuesday that MLS side Atlanta United sent in a bid of €6 million for Dessers, which Rangers accepted. But Dessers rejected the MLS club, opting to remain in Scotland.

Dessers’ time at Rangers has been marked by mixed reactions from the fans. Despite his decent goal returns, some of the club’s fans still believe he is below par. Despite the criticism from the fans, coach Philippe Clement still sees him as his first-choice striker.

Awaziem’s arrival at Cincinnati had sparked an excellent run of three straight wins against Querétaro, New York City, and Santos Laguna to reach the competition’s Round of 16.

However, the former Boavista defender lost his lucky charm early on Wednesday morning as Cincinnati battled in vain against Philadelphia Union.

After a goalless first half, the visitors scored twice in ten minutes to put Cincinnati on the back foot.

However, Pavel Bucha and DeAndre Yedlin found the net in succession to drag the home side back on levelled terms.

Philadelphia Union had the last laugh inside the TQL Stadium, though, scoring twice in the last ten minutes to advance to the quarterfinals.

While Awaziem featured from start to end for Cincinnati, compatriot Obinna Nwobodo was substituted in the 85th minute as the hosts looked for a way back into the tie.

Elsewhere, Inter Miami crashed out of the Leagues Cup after falling to a 3-2 loss at Columbus Crew.

Without the injured Lionel Messi, Inter Miami had edged to a 4-3 triumph over Toronto in the last round and started brilliantly inside the Lower.com Field in Ohio with the first two goals of the game.

However, Columbus Crew fought back impressively with three goals in 13 minutes, including a brace from Uruguay’s Diego Rossi, to send Inter Miami out of the competition.

The talented Nigerian is set to embark on a new journey in the United States, bringing his European experience and skills to bolster the American league.

Soccernet.ng earlier reported that the deal between the two clubs was completed after Yusuf passed his medical examination. The final step was an official announcement from the club, confirming the transfer.

DONE! https://t.co/iHvQVqYfYJ pic.twitter.com/niMQaVsOzc

— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) August 12, 2024

New England Revolution has secured Yusuf’s services for an undisclosed fee, with the contract running until 2027, and an option to extend it until 2028.

“We are pleased to add an impactful player with elite European experience to our roster in Alhassan Yusuf, whose arrival makes us even stronger in the central midfield position,” said Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo on the club’s official website. “Alhassan is a talented player with title-winning experience in the prime of his career. His competitive drive, excellent vision and passing, and tenacious tackling will all raise the level of our team.”

Revolution manager Caleb Porter also expressed his excitement about the signing, anticipating that Yusuf will quickly adapt to the league and play a crucial role in the upcoming season.

“With his international and Champions League experience, I expect Alhassan Yusuf to quickly establish himself as an elite midfielder in Major League Soccer,” Porter added. “Yusuf is an athletic, box-to-box central midfielder with all the qualities we seek in our double pivots. He is highly effective on both sides of the ball and will bring defensive solidity and verticality to our attack. Alhassan Yusuf is another addition who is in the prime of his career and has championship pedigree.”

Yusuf’s move will be fully completed once he receives his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC), which will allow him to participate in matches and fully integrate into the team.

According to sources from Soccernet.ng, the paperwork for Yusuf’s transfer has been completed, and the official announcement from the club is expected shortly.

This move will see Yusuf join a growing contingent of Nigerian talent in MLS, where he will connect with compatriots Chidozie Awaziem and Obinna Nwobodo.

The deal, reportedly valued at around $2 million, reflects the Revolution’s commitment to bolstering their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Sources: New England Revolution finalizing deal to sign Nigeria international midfielder Alhassan Yusuf from Royal Antwerp, as @sachatavolieri first reported.

Fee north of $2m, I’m told.

Yusuf, 24, has 7 caps with Nigeria and made 116 apps for Antwerp. pic.twitter.com/H67uqfYex9

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) August 9, 2024

When questioned about the deal by journalist Seth Macomber, New England Revolution head coach Caleb Porter was unable to provide specific details but hinted at exciting additions to the team, including Yusuf.

“I wish I could say more. I can’t, but yes, it’s exciting. We’ve added a few key pieces, and with every addition, we’re building something strong. Every player we bring in, brick by brick, is part of a solid foundation. We’re striving to get each player right, and we’re focused on making the best possible decisions for the team,” Porter remarked.

Nwobodo currently stars for FC Cincinnati in MLS and was recently joined by Awaziem after his summer transfer from Boavista.

Yusuf will not be joining them at Cincinnati, his move to New England Revolution further strengthens the Super Eagles’ representation in the league and strengthens the Nigerian influence in American soccer.

Reports from the United States have linked Yusuf with a move to New England Revolution, who are keen to finalise a deal for the dynamic midfielder in the coming days.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri was the first to report that a medical examination for the 24-year-old has been arranged, with an official announcement from the MLS club expected soon after.

This report was further corroborated by MLS insider Tom Bogert, who confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion, with the deal reportedly valued at around $2 million.

Sources: New England Revolution finalizing deal to sign Nigeria international midfielder Alhassan Yusuf from Royal Antwerp, as @sachatavolieri first reported.

Fee north of $2m, I’m told.

Yusuf, 24, has 7 caps with Nigeria and made 116 apps for Antwerp. pic.twitter.com/H67uqfYex9

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) August 9, 2024

Nwobodo currently plays for FC Cincinnati in the MLS, and he was recently joined by Chidozie Awaziem following his summer transfer from Boavista.

While Yusuf will not be joining them at Cincinnati, his move to New England Revolution adds another familiar face to the league and strengthens the Super Eagles’ presence in the MLS.

Yusuf first garnered significant media attention during his debut match for the Super Eagles against Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite being substituted due to injury in the 69th minute, the Kano-born player’s impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award and the admiration of Nigerian football fans, who hailed him as a standout player in the tournament.