The Colorado Rapids have announced the signing of Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem from FC Cincinnati as part of a trade deal that also includes Ian Murphy.
The club announced this on its website on Tuesday.
In exchange, FC Cincinnati will receive $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM), with the potential for an additional $200,000 in conditional GAM based on performance metrics. Cincinnati will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fee if either player is traded within Major League Soccer (MLS) or transferred abroad.
“We are excited to welcome Chidozie and Ian to the Rapids,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “Chidozie is a leader and a powerful defender with vast experience in Europe and on the international stage, while Ian has established himself as an athletic and accomplished defender in MLS. Both players are strong fits for our game model and they bring added quality to our group as we look to build off a successful 2024 season and continue strengthening our team.”
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Awaziem, 27, spent one season with FC Cincinnati, making 14 appearances across all competitions and registering three assists.
The experienced center back boasts nearly 300 professional appearances in Europe, including notable spells with Boavista FC in Portugal and FC Porto, where he began his professional career in 2015. During his time at Boavista, Awaziem played alongside current Rapids defender Reggie Cannon, making 26 appearances together during the 2020-21 season. He also enjoyed success in Croatia, helping Hajduk Split win the Croatian Football Cup in 2023.
Awaziem is signed through the 2025 MLS season, with options to extend his contract through 2026 and 2027.
On the international stage, Awaziem has earned 33 caps. He played a significant role in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, starting six matches, and featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In 2024, Awaziem has represented Nigeria four times, including in the Africa Cup of Nations Final.
The Rapids will be banking on Awaziem’s experience and leadership as they aim to build on their successes from the previous season.
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