“Can’t make a forward pass” – Ex-MLS star gives damning review of Super Eagles defender

Former New York City FC star Maxime Chanot has characterized Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem as a poor passer of the ball, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Awaziem has endured a turbulent stint at Nantes since joining from MLS side FC Cincinnati last summer.

While he was a vital part of the defence during the first half of the campaign, his playing time has dropped significantly since returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

​As one of the most experienced players in the Nantes squad, Awaziem has embraced a leadership role within the backline. However, despite his seniority, results have not been good enough for the French club this season.

​Les Canaris are currently languishing in the relegation zone, sitting second from bottom and facing the very real threat of dropping to Ligue 2.

They find themselves three points adrift of the relegation playoff spot and eight points away from safety. The situation shows no signs of improvement, as the club has lost five consecutive matches, the most recent being a 3-1 defeat to Monaco last weekend.

​Awaziem: Maxime Chanot Criticizes Super Eagles Star’s Technical Ability

​In a candid assessment of Nantes’ struggles, former MLS defender Maxime Chanot singled out Awaziem as a significant factor in the team’s problems.

​Chanot noted that the Super Eagles star struggled early in the season under former manager Luis Castro. He stated that while the Portuguese tactician favored playing out from the back, Awaziem was ill-suited for the system due to a perceived lack of passing range.

​”If you look at the players Luis Castro had at his disposal in early September, the Portuguese coach likes to play out from the back. He played with Nathan Zeze and Chidozie Awaziem,” Chanot told Tribune Nantaise.

​”I know Awaziem well, having played against him countless times in MLS. He is incapable of making a forward pass. That doesn’t mean he is a bad player, but those are my words, and I stand by them.”

​Despite the gloomy outlook, the season is not yet over. Nantes has a history of pulling off late-season escapes. With 12 games remaining in Ligue 1, Awaziem will be hoping to reclaim his place as a regular starter and prove his critics wrong as the season enters the home stretch.