FC Cincinnati have signed Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem from Portuguese top-flight club Boavista.
The 27-year-old centre-back signed a one-year contract with the American side until 2025, with options to extend through 2026 and 2027.
Awaziem’s arrival comes in the wake of season-ending injuries to FC Cincinnati defenders Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund.
“We’re delighted to have Chidozie join the club,” Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright stated in a news release. “He’s a talented defender with extensive experience at the European and international level. His quality, character and leadership will be a valuable addition to our group, and I’d like to welcome him to Cincinnati.”
Since beginning his professional career in 2015, Awaziem has played in over 250 matches, featuring for clubs such as FC Porto (Portugal), Hajduk Split (Croatia), Alanyaspor (Turkey), Nantes (France) and Leganes (Spain).
Awaziem expressed his enthusiasm about joining the team, saying, “It’s been a wonderful time I’ve had with Cincinnati. I see the love the fans and everybody has for soccer. I see all the games that Cincinnati have been playing, and this has motivated me a lot to be part of this team and to feel like what it is to be a player for FC Cincinnati and represent this wonderful and amazing club.”
Awaziem has earned 33 international caps for Nigeria.
