Nigeria centre-back Chidozie Awaziem has joined Turkish side Konyaspor from French club Nantes. The 29-year-old has signed a contract with the Super Lig outfit running until 30 June 2028.
Awaziem, who also holds Portuguese nationality, leaves Nantes after a year in France, having moved there in July 2025 from MLS side Colorado. His switch to Konya marks a return to Turkey, where he previously played for Alanyaspor on loan earlier in his career.
The 1.89m right-footed defender brings extensive top-flight experience across several leagues, including spells in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, France’s Ligue 1, Spain’s LaLiga, Major League Soccer and the Croatian top division. He has amassed more than 250 senior club appearances in all competitions, featuring regularly in domestic leagues and cups as well as in European qualifying rounds.
Awaziem first emerged in Europe at FC Porto, progressing from the club’s youth and B teams into the first-team squad. During his time in Portugal he won the Portuguese Super Cup in 2019 and was part of the Porto B side that claimed the second-tier title in 2016.
He later enjoyed a successful stint with Hajduk Split, helping the Croatian side lift the national cup in the 2022-23 season before returning to Boavista. Subsequent moves to Cincinnati and Colorado in MLS added to his international club experience before his transfer to Nantes.
Konyaspor, who compete in the Turkish Super Lig, have now secured Awaziem on a long-term deal as he begins a new chapter in his career in Konya.
