This Article Was Last Updated: August 31, 2026 by Oseg Hale
Chidozie Awaziem biography covers the life and football career of the Nigerian centre-back who has represented the Super Eagles and played for top European clubs. Discover Chidozie Awaziem’s age, wife, salary, net worth, stats, transfer history, current club and journey from Enugu to international football.
The FC Nantes defender built his career through FC Porto before featuring in leagues across France, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Croatia. Awaziem’s defensive ability, versatility and experience have made him a recognised name in Nigerian football.
Chidozie Awaziem Biography
| Full name | Chidozie Collins Awaziem |
| Date of birth | January 1, 1997 |
| Age | 29 years old (2026) |
| Place of birth | Enugu, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Height | 1.89m |
| Religion | Christian |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | FC Nantes |
| National team | Nigeria Super Eagles |
Chidozie Collins Awaziem began his football journey in Nigeria before moving abroad to continue his development. Awaziem built his reputation through his physical presence, aerial ability and defensive awareness.
The Nigerian defender can operate as a centre-back and right-back, giving coaches different tactical options during matches.
Chidozie Awaziem Early Life and Football Background
Chidozie was born on January 1, 1997, in Enugu, Nigeria. The Nigerian defender developed his football skills during his early years before joining professional football structures.
Awaziem started his career with El-Kanemi Warriors before earning recognition from Portuguese club FC Porto. The move gave him an opportunity to develop in European football.
The young centre-back joined FC Porto’s youth system in 2014 and progressed through the club’s development pathway.
Chidozie Awaziem Career at FC Porto and Rise in European Football
Awaziem made his senior debut for FC Porto in 2016 after progressing through the club’s academy. The defender featured for Porto’s first team before gaining more experience through loan spells.
He joined French club Nantes on loan during the 2017–18 season. His performances in Ligue 1 helped him gain regular European football experience.
Awaziem later played for several clubs, including Leganés, Boavista F.C. and Alanyaspor.
He continued developing his game through different leagues while maintaining his place in the Nigerian national team setup.
Chidozie Awaziem Club Career and Transfer History
| Year | Club | League |
| 2016–2020 | FC Porto | Portugal |
| 2017–2018 | Nantes (loan) | France |
| 2019 | Çaykur Rizespor (loan) | Turkey |
| 2019–2020 | Leganés (loan) | Spain |
| 2020–2022 | Boavista | Portugal |
| 2021–2022 | Alanyaspor (loan) | Turkey |
| 2022–2024 | Hajduk Split | Croatia |
| 2024– | FC Nantes | France |
Awaziem’s career has taken him through Portugal, France, Spain, Turkey and Croatia. The defender has gained experience against different playing styles across European competitions.
His ability to play in multiple defensive positions has helped him secure opportunities at several clubs.
Chidozie Awaziem Super Eagles Career and International Record
Chidozie Awaziem received his first Nigeria call-up in 2017 and made his senior debut during the qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The centre-back became part of Nigeria’s defensive options under different national team coaches. He represented the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
At AFCON 2019, Awaziem featured as Nigeria finished third after defeating Tunisia 1–0 in the bronze medal match.
The Enugu-born player has played alongside several Super Eagles defenders, including William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Semi Ajayi. His ability to operate as a centre-back and right-back has helped him earn regular national team selections.
Chidozie Awaziem Playing Style and Position
Awaziem plays mainly as a centre-back but can also operate as a right-back. The Nigerian defender combines strength, pace and aerial ability in defensive situations.
His physical approach helps him handle attacking players, while his passing ability allows him to contribute during build-up play.
Awaziem’s defensive qualities include:
- Strong aerial ability
- Physical defending
- Tactical flexibility
- One-on-one defending
- Ball progression from defence
The Super Eagles defender has often played in systems that require defenders to cover wide areas and maintain defensive discipline.
Chidozie Awaziem Stats and Achievements
Awaziem has played more than 150 professional club matches across different European leagues.
The defender has represented FC Porto, Nantes, Boavista, Hajduk Split and other European clubs during his career.
His international career includes appearances for Nigeria at:
- 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
- World Cup qualification matches
- Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Awaziem also won the bronze medal with Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chidozie Awaziem Salary, Net Worth and Market Value
Chidozie Awaziem earns income from his professional football contracts, bonuses and football-related agreements. He has played for clubs in Portugal, France, Spain, Turkey, Croatia and the United States during his career.
Awaziem’s exact personal wealth remains private, but available football finance estimates provide details about his salary, net worth and transfer valuation.
| Category | Estimated Value |
| Current club | FC Nantes |
| Weekly salary estimate | £12,000 |
| Annual salary estimate | £624,000 |
| Estimated net worth | £2.43 million |
| Market value | €2.5 million |
| Contract expiry | June 30, 2028 |
Salary Sport estimates Chidozie Awaziem earns around £12,000 per week at FC Nantes, giving the defender an annual salary of approximately £624,000. The site also estimates his net worth at around £2.43 million.
Capology lists Awaziem’s estimated gross salary at around €27,885 per week, which equals approximately €1.45 million per year before bonuses. The salary platform states that these figures are estimates and not official club disclosures.
The Nigerian centre-back signed a contract with FC Nantes that runs until June 30, 2028.
Awaziem’s current market value stands at €2.5 million, according to Transfermarkt’s latest valuation update on June 1, 2026. The defender reached a career-high market value of €6 million during his FC Porto period.
Chidozie built his financial profile through spells with FC Porto, Nantes, Çaykur Rizespor, Leganés, Boavista, Alanyaspor, Hajduk Split and FC Cincinnati.
Awaziem’s football earnings come from:
- Club salaries
- Contract bonuses
- Match-related payments
- International appearances
The defender remains one of Nigeria’s experienced centre-backs in European football after earning 40 caps and scoring two goals for the Super Eagles.
Chidozie Awaziem Wife Obiageli Awaziem, Children and Family Life
Chidozie Awaziem is married to Obiageli Awaziem, a Nigerian entrepreneur and fashion personality. The couple have a daughter named Christel.
Chidozie and Obiageli reportedly met in Nigeria before the defender moved to Europe. Their relationship started before Awaziem joined FC Porto in 2014.
Obiageli Awaziem runs 2perfect Luxury, a fashion brand, and shares lifestyle and fashion posts on social media. Her style has earned attention among Super Eagles supporters, with Pulse Sports featuring her among the fashionable wives and partners of Nigerian players.
The fashion entrepreneur has appeared in designer outfits and luxury accessories, including a Burberry bag reported to be worth about ₦2 million.
Awaziem and Obiageli welcomed their first child, Christel, in July 2020. The Super Eagles defender announced the birth of his daughter through social media.
In January 2023, Awaziem surprised his wife with an exotic car gift for her birthday. Obiageli shared the birthday surprise after receiving the gift from the Nigerian defender.
Chidozie Awaziem Current Club and Latest Football Career
Awaziem currently plays for FC Nantes after returning to the French club where he previously featured during the 2017–18 season.
The defender returned to Nantes after gaining experience across several European leagues.
Awaziem’s defensive qualities continue to make him an option for clubs that need a strong and versatile centre-back.
He competes in Ligue 1 while maintaining his connection with the Super Eagles setup.
Transfer History and Career Timeline
| Season | Club | Movement |
| 2016 | FC Porto | Promoted to senior team |
| 2017 | Nantes | Joined on loan |
| 2019 | Çaykur Rizespor | Loan move |
| 2019 | Leganés | Loan move |
| 2020 | Boavista | Permanent transfer |
| 2021 | Alanyaspor | Loan move |
| 2022 | Hajduk Split | Permanent transfer |
| 2024 | Nantes | Return to France |
Awaziem gained experience in different European competitions through these transfers. He adapted to different tactical systems and defensive roles.
Achievements and Career Honours
Awaziem’s major football achievements include:
| Achievement | Year |
| Nigeria senior debut | 2017 |
| FIFA World Cup appearance | 2018 |
| Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal | 2019 |
He also gained domestic experience through his time with European clubs.
Social Media Accounts
Awaziem uses social media to share football updates, training pictures and moments from his career.
His official social media accounts provide updates about his club and international activities.
The defender maintains a professional online presence focused on football.
