Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has completed a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Colorado Rapids from FC Cincinnati.
The transfer marks his second stint in the MLS, after joining Cincinnati earlier this year from Portuguese club Boavista.
The 27-year-old made a solid impression during his brief time at Cincinnati, recording two assists across seven matches—all as a starter.
Awaziem was acquired midseason from Boavista for a fee of €500,000, becoming a key part of Cincinnati's defensive setup.
The Colorado Rapids, aiming to strengthen their defensive line after a disappointing 2023 campaign, announced the acquisition of Awaziem and his teammate Ian Murphy in a trade with Cincinnati.
As part of the deal, FC Cincinnati received $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and could earn an additional $200,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance metrics are met.
Moreover, Cincinnati retained a sell-on percentage for both players, applicable if they are traded within MLS or transferred abroad.
Chidozie Awaziem’s nomadic career
Awaziem's move to Colorado Rapids marks the latest chapter in what has been a well-travelled career.
Since leaving Nigeria at the age of 17 to join FC Porto’s youth setup in 2015, the central defender has represented nine clubs across Europe, including stints in Portugal, France, Turkey, Spain, and Croatia.
| Club | Joined | Appearances |
| Porto | 2016 | 15 |
| Nantes | 2017 | 23 |
| Caykur Rizespor | 2018 | 16 |
| Leganes | 2019 | 29 |
| Boavista | 2020 | 59 |
| Alanyaspor | 2021 | 22 |
| Hadjuk Split | 2022 | 36 |
| Cincinnati | 2024 | 14 |
| Colorado Rapids | 2025 | TBC |
Now, with his transfer to Colorado Rapids, he is set to bring his wealth of experience to a new project in MLS.
Colorado, who endured a challenging season, will hope his leadership and defensive skills can help the club regain competitiveness.
Nomad by nature: Awaziem and the Abiola Dauda parallel
Awaziem's career trajectory bears similarities to that of another Nigerian journeyman, Abiola Dauda who is considered as the Nigerian who has played for the most clubs abroad in recent memory.
The 36-year-old forward has played for 13 clubs across eight countries and two continents.
Awaziem, at just 27, is now on his ninth club in nine years, further cementing his reputation as a football nomad.
