Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem went from villain to hero on Sunday as his stoppage-time goal secured a 1–1 draw for Nantes against Lorient in Ligue 1. The match took a dramatic turn in first-half injury time (45+1′), when Awaziem diverted the ball into his own net, handing Lorient the lead.
But in the dying moments of the game (90+1′), the 28 year old defender rose highest to meet a cross with a powerful header, restoring parity and rescuing a vital point for his side. The result leaves Nantes in 15th place with 11 points while Lorient sit just behind them in 16th.
Editorial
What a night for Chidozie Awaziem a study in redemption and resilience. In a match that threatened to be derailed by his first-half own goal, he showed the heart and mentality of a true leader to claw back a point for Nantes. This was not just a goal it was a declaration of character.
Football can be cruel, especially for defenders. One moment’s misfortune can haunt you, but it is how you respond that defines you. Awaziem’s equaliser was more than a set-piece finish it was vindication. It proved he could absorb the heat, shrug off the shame, and deliver when it mattered most.
This draw might look modest in the table, but for Nantes, it feels like a small victory of spirit. In a season where every point could count in the fight to stay clear of the drop zone, moments like these matter. And for Awaziem, this could be a turning point the moment he stopped being haunted by a mistake and began defining his season on his own terms.
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Did You Know?
- Chidozie Awaziem scored his first goal in 12 Ligue 1 appearances with that late header.
- His own goal came at the very end of the first half (in stoppage time), making his redemption even more dramatic.
- With 92+ passes attempted and 93% accuracy, Awaziem was one of Nantes’ most reliable passers in the match.
- He has also featured recently for the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.
- Standing at 1.92 m, his height made him a real threat in the box for Nantes — especially on set pieces.
