Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem is facing a late fitness test to determine his availability for FC Nantes’ Ligue 1 fixture against FC Metz on Sunday at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
The 28-year-old centre-back picked up a muscle issue during Nantes’ recent encounter with AS Monaco, which forced him to leave the pitch before full time. It was the first time this season that Awaziem had failed to complete a match since joining the French side from FC Cincinnati in the summer.
Coach Luis Castro confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Awaziem’s condition will be closely monitored before kickoff.
“There’s another one we’ll see tomorrow. It’s Chidozie Awaziem. We’ll see about him, but it’s muscle fatigue,” Castro told reporters.
The potential absence of the Nigerian defender would be a major blow for Nantes, who are already grappling with several injury concerns as they prepare to face Metz — a side also battling to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Awaziem has been one of Nantes’ most consistent performers this season, offering leadership, composure, and defensive stability at the heart of the team’s backline. His form has been key in helping the Canaries maintain balance despite a shaky start to the campaign.
Although named in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September, Awaziem has not featured for the national team since March 26, 2024, when he started in a friendly against Mali.
