Nigeria Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has joined Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids from FC Cincinnati in a trade worth $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM).
Colorado also acquired Ian Murphy in the deal, which could see Cincinnati earn an additional $200,000 in conditional GAM based on performance. The club will retain a percentage of future transfer fees for either player.
Rapids President Pádraig Smith welcomed the signings, highlighting Awaziem’s leadership and experience in Europe and on the international stage. Smith also praised Murphy as an athletic and accomplished defender in MLS.
Awaziem, 27, made 14 appearances and registered three assists in his lone season with Cincinnati.
The Nigerian center-back previously played for FC Porto, Boavista FC, and Hajduk Split in Europe, winning the Croatian Football Cup in 2023.
He has earned 33 caps for Nigeria, including appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Awaziem’s contract with Colorado runs through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027.
