FC Cincinnati has bolstered their defensive lineup with the recent acquisition of Chidozie Awaziem from Boavista FC of the Portuguese Primeira Liga through a transfer deal, as confirmed by the club. The 27-year-old defender, who hails from Enugu, Nigeria, has signed a contract until 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027 pending completion of his P-1 visa documentation.

Awaziem, standing at 6-foot-2, brings a wealth of experience to FC Cincinnati, having made close to 300 professional appearances in Europe since his debut with FC Porto in 2015. With 33 caps for the Nigerian National Team, including a presence in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Awaziem's addition is seen as a valuable one by the club's General Manager, Chris Albright.

Expressing his excitement to join FC Cincinnati, Awaziem remarked on the passion of the fans and the motivation he felt to represent the club on the pitch. In his previous season with Boavista FC, Awaziem made 27 appearances despite his national team commitments for World Cup qualifiers and the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Having also had loan spells at clubs like Alanyaspor, Hajduk Split, FC Nantes, Çaykur Rizespor, and CD Leganés, Awaziem's versatile defensive abilities have been noted by fans. Despite occasional lapses in concentration, his aerial prowess and overall defensive contributions have been highlighted by supporters.

Comparisons to Matt Miazga and praises for his international experience with Nigeria have been circulating on social media, with fans expressing optimism about Awaziem's impact on FC Cincinnati’s backline. The club is set to kick off Leagues Cup Group Stage action against Club Querétaro, with Awaziem likely to feature prominently in their upcoming fixtures.

With FC Cincinnati addressing defensive needs by securing Awaziem's services, the anticipation is high among supporters as they eagerly await his contributions on the field.

Transaction Details:
- Date: July 25, 2024
- Acquired from Boavista FC
- Position: Defender
- Height: 6'2''
- Birthdate: January 1, 1997
- Nationality: Nigerian