Awaziem swaps Nantes for Konyaspor as Nigeria defender seals Super Lig return

Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem has joined Turkish side Konyaspor from FC Nantes, signing a contract with the Super Lig club until June 2028. The 29-year-old centre-back, who also holds Portuguese nationality, returns to Turkey after previous spells in the country’s top flight.

Awaziem, a right-footed central defender standing at 1.89m, moves to Konya after a year with Nantes, who he joined in July 2025 from MLS side Colorado. The deal sees Konyaspor secure an experienced operator who has already featured in Ligue 1, LaLiga, the Portuguese leagues, MLS and the Super Lig.

Before arriving in France for his second stint with Nantes, Awaziem built a diverse career across Europe’s major competitions. He came through FC Porto’s system, progressing from the under-19s to Porto B and then the first team, and has since accumulated more than 60 appearances in Portugal’s top division and over 40 games in Ligue 1, as well as experience in LaLiga and European competition, including the Champions League.

The Enugu-born defender has already played 34 times in the Turkish Super Lig during a loan spell with Alanyaspor, and also impressed in Croatia with Hajduk Split, where he contributed five league goals in 28 appearances and helped the club win the Croatian Cup in 2022-23. His honours also include a Portuguese Super Cup with Porto and a second-tier title with Porto B.

Konyaspor’s acquisition of Awaziem, whose current market value is listed at €2.5m, ties the centre-back to the Konya club for the next two seasons following his permanent switch from Nantes.