WORLD CUP FOCUS: Chidozie Awaziem says they will make Nigeria proud in Russia

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Mar 22, 2018. 17:00

Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem says they want to make all Nigerians proud at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The FC Porto loanee says he is hoping he can play a big role for the Super Eagles and is looking forward to the friendly against Poland on Friday.

Awaziem is with the national team at their get-together in Wrocław as they prepare to take on Poland in an international friendly on Friday night.

''We want our country to be proud of us. I know we are going to have a good World Cup in Russia. Gernot Rohr, our coach, told me he had coached FC Nantes but I did not know it was in Ligue 2! '' said Awaziem to Ouest France.

''It was my dream to play for Nigeria. I am one of the representatives of this country so big. Nigeria beat Spain here in La Beaujoire at the 1998 World Cup.”

The central defender added that scoring for Nantes against Guingamp in October 2017 was one of his best moments since he arrived in France last summer.

''My arrival was rather made in the context of an exchange. I had other choices. Here, I scored against Guingamp, in front of our fans, it's an incredible feeling,” he added.

''They help us a lot, bring us the strength to fight, the atmosphere is fantastic. My future ? I do not know, it depends on the club, Porto, but also me.”