Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has praised the loan move of Chidozie Awaziem to Nantes of France saying the move is the best that could happen to the 20 year old just a year to the World Cup.
FC Porto youngster Awaziem completed his move to Nantes on a season long loan deal, in a move which was agreed as part of the deal that saw coach of Nantes Sergio Conceciao join the Portuguese side.
In an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, Taribo who also had a stint in France where he played for Auxerre during his formative years said the defender will receive the best of education in the French Ligue 1 especially if he gets regular run of games at Nantes.
” It’s a good move that speaks a lot about his quality. He played for FC Porto at the age of 19 which is huge for an African central defender especially as he didn’t play any level of professional football in Nigeria before his move to Portugal”, Taribo said.
Awaziem whose inclusion in the starting line up in the Nigerian team that lost 0-2 to South Africa in the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers drew condemnation towards coach of the team Gernot Rohr will definitely become a Super Eagles regular if he gets regular games in France, according to Taribo West.
” He need a move like this, just close to the World Cup. It will help him cement his spot in the national team, and it could come at the expense of Kenneth Omeruo, as you know the French Ligue is among the top five European Leagues.
” If as expected Awaziem get games at Nantes, Omeruo will have to move to a league higher than the Turkish League if he intends to keep his spot in the team. The competition for spots is good for Nigeria to be honest “.
Ade Emmanuel
