Chidozie Awaziem: Nigeria defender leaves Nantes to join Konyaspor on long-term deal

Nigeria centre-back Chidozie Awaziem has joined Turkish side Konyaspor from FC Nantes, signing a contract until 30 June 2028 with the Super Lig club.

The 29-year-old, who also holds Portuguese nationality, makes the move from Ligue 2 after a year in France, where he arrived from MLS club Colorado in 2025. He links up with Konyaspor ahead of the new campaign and has been handed the number 15 shirt.

Awaziem brings extensive top-flight experience across Europe, having previously featured in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Croatia’s top division and the Turkish Super Lig. He has already played 34 times in Turkey’s top tier and is primarily deployed as a right‐footed central defender.

Born in Enugu and standing at 1.89m, Awaziem first came to prominence at FC Porto, progressing through the youth and B teams before breaking into the first team. His career has included spells with Boavista, Hajduk Split, Alanyaspor, Leganes, Rizespor and FC Nantes, as well as time in MLS with Cincinnati and Colorado.

Across his club career he has accumulated well over 250 senior appearances in league and cup competitions, including games in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Youth League, and has also featured in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS Cup Playoffs.

Awaziem has collected several honours, including the Portuguese Super Cup with Porto, the Croatian Cup with Hajduk Split and the Portuguese second-tier title with Porto B.

The defender’s move from Nantes to Konyaspor is a permanent transfer, tying him to the Turkish club for the next two seasons.