Nigeria international Chidozie Awaziem endured a painful night on Friday after FC Nantes’ relegation from Ligue 1 was confirmed following a narrow 1-0 loss to RC Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The defeat officially ended Nantes’ 13-year stay in the French top flight, with the former champions unable to escape the drop despite fighting hard in recent weeks to save their season.
Heading into the encounter, Nantes desperately needed a positive result to keep their survival hopes alive. However, their struggles in front of goal once again proved costly against a Lens side chasing European qualification.
The decisive moment came late in the second half when 16-year-old Lens youngster Mezian Soares announced himself in stunning fashion. Just moments after coming off the bench, the teenager scored with his very first touch in the 79th minute to silence the Nantes bench and spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Awaziem, who completed the full 90 minutes, was one of Nantes’ better performers on another difficult evening for the club. The Super Eagles defender made several key interceptions, blocks, and clearances as he tried to keep Lens at bay for as long as possible.
Unfortunately for the Nigerian centre-back, his efforts were not enough to prevent Nantes from slipping into Ligue 2.
The relegation marks a disappointing end to what has been a frustrating campaign for the Canaries. Despite showing flashes of resilience including an impressive 3-0 victory over Marseille recently, inconsistency and a lack of goals eventually dragged the club into danger.
Awaziem One Of Nantes’ Few Positives
While Nantes struggled collectively, Awaziem’s individual performances throughout the season did not go unnoticed.
The 28-year-old established himself as a key figure in the team’s defence, featuring in 26 Ligue 1 matches and starting 24 of them. His leadership, physicality and composure made him one of the club’s most reliable players during a turbulent campaign.
Awaziem also contributed offensively with one goal and two assists, while his defensive numbers ranked among the best in the division.
The Nigerian defender finished the season with 158 clearances one of the highest totals in Ligue 1 and consistently impressed in aerial duels, winning over 67 percent of contests in the air.
His performances recently earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week after an outstanding display against Marseille, further highlighting his quality despite Nantes’ difficult situation.
Tough Questions Ahead For Nantes
Nantes’ relegation will now force the club into serious reflection after a season filled with poor results and attacking struggles.
The former French champions managed just five league victories all season and scored only 29 goals in 32 matches one of the worst attacking records in the division.
With relegation now confirmed, attention will quickly turn to the future of several key players, including Awaziem, whose performances may attract interest from clubs still competing in top-flight football next season.
For the Super Eagles star, the disappointment of relegation will hurt deeply, but his individual displays this season have shown he remains a defender capable of performing at the highest level.
