Experienced Ligue 1 based defender Chidozie Awaziem has expressed his readiness to play out of position in order to help the Super Eagles succeed at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Awaziem is back in the Nigeria national team setup after a relatively long spell of absence from the international scene and the FC Nantes defender is determined to play a significant role for the Super Eagles in their quest to lift the AFCON title again after twelve years.
Nigeria’s campaign kicks off on Tuesday, December 23 with a game against Tanzania, after which they will also have to battle the likes of Tunisia and Uganda in Group C to earn a place in the knockout phase of this year’s tournament.
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Ahead of Tuesday’s game, Awaziem made it clear that personal preference would take a back seat to the team’s needs, stressing his willingness to adapt to any role assigned by head coach Eric Chelle.
“I mean for me, I’ve played a different position in the back. It depends on the structure of the coach. It depends on where the coach wants me to perform,” he told Elegbete TV.
“I just go there and just try to do the job as possible as I can. So, I just try to do my best, you know, do everything possible to help the team, help myself as well. So, if the coach wants me to be a goalkeeper, I’m ready. If he wants me to be a striker, I’m ready.
“But my preferred position right now as I’m speaking to you, I’m a center back, you know. So, I would prefer to remain in my position, center back.”
Awaziem, one of the most experienced players in the Super Eagles ranks, is capable of playing anywhere across the backline. His versatility is sure to come in handy at some point in the tournament.
