Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor have opened discussions over a potential move for Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem, as the centre-back weighs his options following Nantes’ relegation to Ligue 2.
Awaziem joined Nantes last summer to bolster their backline and delivered on his end of the bargain, chipping in with a goal and two assists across 26 league appearances. However, individual performances alone were not enough to keep the Canaries in France’s top flight, and their relegation has since plunged the club into financial difficulty.
As a result, Nantes are reportedly bracing for player sales this summer, determined to balance their books while assembling a squad capable of an immediate promotion push back to Ligue 1.
According to Turkish journalist Resat Can Özbudak, Konyaspor have identified Awaziem as a priority defensive target and have already held talks with the player to gauge his openness to a move before the transfer window shuts.
The 29-year-old, for his part, is understood to be keen on continuing his career in a top-flight league, which makes a switch to Turkey an appealing option as he prepares for the new season. Meanwhile, a transfer would suit all parties: Awaziem gets to keep playing at the highest level, and Nantes secure a fee that eases their financial burden heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
Awaziem remains a regular fixture in Nigeria’s defence, and his club situation will be closely watched by the Super Eagles’ technical crew ahead of the team’s continued World Cup preparations.
A move to a competitive Turkish Super Lig side, rather than a drop into Ligue 2, would keep him playing at a level suited to international football, reducing any risk to his national team involvement. Given his experience in Turkey with previous spells at Alanyaspor and Çaykur Rizespor, a return to the country would hardly be unfamiliar territory for the defender.
Talks between Konyaspor and Awaziem are still at an early stage, with a fee still to be agreed between the Turkish club and Nantes. Given the financial pressure on the French side to sell, however, a deal could move quickly once the two clubs sit down to negotiate terms before the window closes.
