Chidozie Awaziem’s stay at FC Nantes looks set to end after just a single season, with the Super Eagles defender reportedly ready to explore a fresh challenge following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2.
As a result, Turkey, Portugal, and a possible switch to another Ligue 1 side have all emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old centre-back.
According to Nantes Inside, Awaziem now faces a significant salary reduction as the club restructures its finances for life in the second tier. Consequently, the defender is understood to view this as the main driver behind his push to leave, rather than wait out a reduced role in Ligue 2 football.
His situation is further complicated by the terms of his contract, which runs until 2028. Reports from TransferFeed note that while he could technically remain at Nantes, doing so would only be possible if he accepts a substantial cut to his current wages, given that he sits in the club’s higher earning bracket.
Nantes’ relegation was confirmed after a 1-0 defeat to RC Lens, a result that ended the club’s 13-year stay in Ligue 1 dating back to 2012. Despite the disappointing team campaign, however, Awaziem’s individual performances stood out throughout the season.
The Enugu-born defender featured in 26 Ligue 1 matches and started 24 of them, contributing one goal and two assists from the back. In addition, he led the entire division in clearances with 158 and won more than 67 percent of his aerial duels, numbers that helped him earn a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week following a standout display against Marseille. Nevertheless, his efforts were not enough to prevent Nantes from managing just five wins across 32 league matches.
Having moved between several countries over the course of his career, Awaziem’s next destination remains genuinely uncertain. Since leaving El-Kanemi Warriors for FC Porto in 2014, he has featured in Portugal, Turkey, Spain, Croatia, the United States, and France, giving him a broad list of familiar leagues to consider.
Portugal stands out as a strong possibility, given that he spent the majority of his professional career there across spells with FC Porto and Boavista. Meanwhile, Turkey remains on the table too, following his earlier loan spell at Çaykur Rizespor, and a switch to a rival Ligue 1 club has also not been ruled out, considering his proven quality at that level despite Nantes’ struggles.
Awaziem remains an important figure in the Super Eagles setup, having earned 40 caps and formed part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished third. Therefore, maintaining a level of regular first-team football will be important for the defender as he looks to continue featuring for Eric Chelle’s side heading into the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Given his versatility and experience across multiple top European leagues, his representatives are likely to prioritise a move that keeps him playing at a high standard, rather than accepting a reduced role in France’s second tier.
With his current market value estimated at around €2.5-3 million, Awaziem represents an accessible option for potential suitors. As the transfer window progresses, further reports are expected to clarify whether Portugal, Turkey, or another Ligue 1 side will win the race for his signature, while Nantes will simultaneously be working out whether keeping him at a reduced salary remains realistic.
The situation stands as one of several storylines to watch involving Super Eagles players this summer, with a decision likely to emerge as pre-season preparations intensify across Europe.
