Transfers: Super Eagles star eyes move to Ligue 1, Turkey & Portugal after salary cut dispute
Retold by Oddsrama · 15 July 2026
Nigeria's Chidozie Awaziem has decided to force his way out of FC Nantes after the French club's relegation to Ligue 2 left him unwilling to take the wage hit that comes with dropping down a division. The 29-year-old centre-back, who only signed a three-year deal at the club last summer, earned roughly €1.4 million annually and has made clear he won't stomach the salary cuts now mandatory under standard French football clauses. Nantes, facing severe financial strain from lost television income and sponsorship revenue, are not pushing back—in fact, they seem relieved that a top earner is looking elsewhere.
What makes Awaziem's exit particularly straightforward for potential suitors is a relegation clause buried in his contract that allows him to leave on a free transfer. That's huge. No transfer fee means any club snapping him up can redirect those savings straight into meeting his wage expectations, making him a genuinely attractive proposition despite his salary demands being too steep for MLS budget rules. His representatives at Libera Sports are already working the phones to find him a new home before the window closes.
The Super Eagles defender's performances at Nantes were solid—27 appearances across all competitions with one goal and two assists—proving he can handle elite football even when his team struggles. For the 2024–25 campaign ahead, he is targeting a return to Europe's top tier, with Ligue 1 clubs keeping tabs on his situation given his proven experience in France. Turkey's Süper Lig and Portugal's Liga Portugal are also in play, both leagues where Awaziem has starred before and carry familiar tactical and cultural ground. With the new season looming and international duty for Nigeria on the horizon, the veteran defender is racing against the clock to lock down a move that protects both his earning power and his competitive edge at the highest level.
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