Hajduk Split star Chidozie Awaziem breaks 22-year goal record in Croatia

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem has become the first defender with the most goals in a single season for his for Hajduk Split following his strike in a 3-0 win against Osijek in a Croatian topflight encounter.

The Super Eagles defender fired a half volley into the back of the net from Rokas Pukstas’ corner kick in the 25th minute.

Five minutes into the second half, Dario Melnjak doubled the lead for the hosts just few moments after being denied.

Jan Mlakar’s left-footed shot inside the box increased the lead to three, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Out-of-favour Super Eagles man lasted the duration of the game for his side as he increased his league goal tally.

The goal was Awaziem’s fifth league goal of the season, surpassing legendary defender Slaven Bilić (1992/1993) and Hrvoje Vejić (2001/2002) record of four league goals for Hajduk Split as defenders.

Hadjuk Split occupy the second position on the log with 65 points, ten points behind leader, Dinamo Zagreb.

Only the league winner qualifies for the UEFA Champions League, with the second to fourth position settling for the UEFA Europa League from the Croatian HNL.