Following numerous loan spells, Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem has returned to Portugal, emerging as a key player for Boavista F.C. while securing the highest salary of his career. Kick Off Nigeria dives into the player’s finances.
Current Salary in Boavista FC
Awaziem’s contract with the Portuguese team, signed in the summer of 2021, extends until June 30, 2025. Over the remaining two years, the Nigerian defender will earn €860,000, excluding bonuses. In the 2023/2024 season, Awaziem’s salary amounts to €430,000, translating to €8,269 per week.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 430,000 |
367,338,951 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 35,834 |
30,612,149 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 8,269 |
7,069,120 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 1,181 |
1,009,630 Nigerian Nairas |
Team Salary Overview: Chidozie Awaziem is the Highest-Paid African Player
In the 2023/2024 season, Boavista F.C.’s total wage expenditure is €4,380,000, equivalent to €84,231 per week. The team’s top earner is striker Robert Bozenik, a Slovakian international, who receives €900,000 annually, or €17,308 per week. Awaziem holds the second-highest salary in the club, surpassing all foreign players and leading among African footballers on the team. Following him is the Congolese midfielder Gaius Makouta, earning more than half of Awaziem’s salary at €200,000.
|
Player |
Country |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Robert Bozenik |
Slovakia |
€ 900,000 |
|
Chidozie Awaziem |
Nigeria |
€ 430,000 |
|
Rodrigo Abascal |
Uruguay |
€ 340,000 |
|
Vincent Sasso |
France |
€ 230,000 |
|
Sebastian Perez |
Colombia |
€ 220,000 |
Career Salary Comparison
Chidozie Awaziem experienced a significant salary boost during his initial loan spell with FC Nantes, earning six times more than his previous stint with FC Porto. Another substantial increase occurred after signing with Boavista F.C. in 2021, more than doubling his salary. Although his earnings remained steady during subsequent loans in Turkey and Croatia, Awaziem is currently enjoying the highest paycheck of his career.
|
Club |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
Annual Salary (NGN) |
|
Boavista F.C. (2022/2024) |
€ 430,000 |
367,338,951 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Alanyaspor (2021/2022) |
€ 430,000 |
367,338,951 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Boavista F.C. (2020/2021) |
€ 430,000 |
367,338,951 Nigerian Nairas |
|
CD Leganes (2019/2020) |
€ 200,000 |
170,481,559 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Caykur Rizespor/FC Porto (2018/2019) |
€ 200,000 |
170,481,559 Nigerian Nairas |
|
FC Nantes (2017/2018) |
€ 190,000 |
161,775,155 Nigerian Nairas |
|
FC Porto (2016/2017) |
€ 30,000 |
25,551,239 Nigerian Nairas |
Market Value: Awaziem Among Boavista F.C.’s Top 3 Valued Players
Twice in his career, Chidozie Awaziem reached his highest market value. Firstly, in 2018, following a successful season in France with FC Nantes, and secondly, in 2020, after returning from a noteworthy loan at CD Leganes. As of now, Transfermarkt.com values Awaziem’s transfer at €3.5 million. He trails behind Slovenian Robert Bozenik and Portuguese Pedro Malheiro in the club’s hierarchy.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
Boavista F.C. |
2023 |
€ 3,500,000 |
|
HNK Hajduk Split |
2022 (November) |
€ 5,000,000 |
|
Alanyaspor |
2022 (March) |
€ 4,500,000 |
|
Boavista F.C. |
2021 |
€ 5,000,000 |
|
FC Porto |
2020 |
€ 6,000,000 |
|
CD Leganes |
2019 (December) |
€ 2,500,000 |
|
Caykur Rizespor |
2019 (June) |
€ 3,500,000 |
|
FC Nantes |
2018 |
€ 6,000,000 |
|
FC Porto B |
2017 |
€ 1,250,000 |
|
FC Porto |
2016 |
€ 2,000,000 |
|
FC Porto B |
2015 |
€ 50,000 |
National Team Achievements
Making his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2017, Awaziem joined the squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, serving as a substitute and not taking the field. However, during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Awaziem played a pivotal defensive role as Nigeria reached the semi-finals but ultimately fell to Algeria, finishing third after defeating Tunisia in the bronze medal match. Unfortunately, Awaziem was suspended for the latter game due to accumulated yellow cards.
Football and Salary Prospects
Having returned from a successful loan spell in Croatia, the Nigerian defender secured a spot in the starting lineup and has not missed a game since the beginning of the championship. If Awaziem continues to impress in the Portuguese league, there is a possibility that the club will consider extending his contract under more favorable terms.
