Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Cincinnati has officially announced the signing of Nigeria international defender Chidozie Awaziem from Portuguese top-flight side Boavista.

The 27 year-old Super Eagles defender has signed with the Orange and Blue till 2025, with options to extend his contract through 2026 and 2027.

During his time at Boavista, Awaziem made 59 appearances over three seasons.

In a social media post, the club announced, “✍️ Signed, sealed, defender, he’s ours. Welcome to Cincy, @AwaziemC!”

Speaking after joining the club, Awaziem said, “I’ve been following Major League Soccer for quite a number of years now”

“When I spoke to Cincinnati, it was really an amazing time, and it was a wonderful conversation about what I could become with this club. I had heard a lot about Cincy, and I watched the games and how they’ve been performing in Major League Soccer, which is very, very good. I see that support, so I’m here to give my own support and help to the team,” he said in a video posted by the club.

Awaziem also revealed that his relationship with fellow Nigerian and FC Cincinnati midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was a key factor in his decision to transfer.

“I’ve had lots of conversations with Obinna Nwobodo,” he said.

“He’s my friend; we’ve played together and against each other in Turkey. I’ve known him for quite a while, and he’s an amazing guy.

“He told me about the club, the culture, and the atmosphere. When we had spoken in the past, he had told me a lot of things. He’s always been asking me to come (to Cincinnati), and I told him, ‘Yeah, someday we’re going to be together,’ and here we are. So, I hope it’s going to be an amazing journey for us together.”