Chidozie Awaziem, the Nigerian international defender, is reportedly to be on the verge of a significant career move that could see him swap the Portuguese Primeira Liga for Major League Soccer (MLS). The 26-year-old center-back, currently playing for Boavista FC, is in advanced talks with FC Cincinnati, signaling a potential end to his decade-long association with Portuguese football.
Awaziem’s journey in Portugal began in 2014 when he joined FC Porto’s youth setup. Over the years, he has become a mainstay in Boavista’s defense, making 24 appearances in the 2023-24 season and even contributing an assist. His consistent performances have not only helped Boavista maintain their top-flight status but have also kept him in contention for the Nigerian national team.
The potential move to FC Cincinnati represents a new chapter in Awaziem’s career and reflects the growing appeal of MLS to established European-based players. Cincinnati, who finished top of the Eastern Conference in the 2023 MLS season, are clearly looking to strengthen their squad as they aim for MLS Cup glory.
For Boavista, Awaziem’s departure would be a significant loss. The club has been actively recruiting Nigerian talent, recently signing Ibrahim Alhassan from Belgian side Beerschot VA on a two-year deal. Alhassan, along with Bruno Onyemeachi, form part of a growing Nigerian contingent at the Estádio do Bessa. Awaziem’s exit would deprive this group of its most experienced member and leave a void in Boavista’s defense that may prove challenging to fill.
The transfer also highlights the evolving landscape of player movements between Europe and MLS. Once seen primarily as a retirement league for aging European stars, MLS is increasingly attracting players in their prime, like Awaziem. This trend speaks to the improving quality and competitiveness of the American league, as well as its financial capabilities.
For Nigerian football, Awaziem’s potential move presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it would give the Super Eagles another player experiencing a different style of football, potentially broadening the tactical flexibility of the national team. On the other, it might raise questions about whether MLS provides the same level of competition as top European leagues, potentially affecting Awaziem’s national team prospects.
In Cincinnati, Awaziem would join compatriot Obinna Nwobodo, whose contract runs until 2025. This Nigerian connection could ease Awaziem’s transition to American soccer and potentially create a pipeline for more Nigerian talent to consider MLS as a viable career option.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on how this move unfolds. For Awaziem, it represents a chance to test himself in a new environment and potentially raise his profile in a rapidly growing league. For Boavista, the challenge will be to reinforce their squad and maintain their competitiveness in the absence of a key defender.
Whatever the outcome, this potential transfer underscores the global nature of modern football, where talent flows across continents, reshaping teams and leagues in the process. As the summer transfer window approaches, fans of both Boavista and FC Cincinnati will be keenly awaiting news of Awaziem’s next move.
