AFCON 2025: Awaziem Ready For Any Role In Super Eagles Squad

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has pledged his total commitment to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, insisting he is ready to play anywhere if it helps the team lift the trophy.

Awaziem, 28, who plays for FC Nantes, is now one of the senior figures in the squad following the retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong. The upcoming tournament will be Awaziem’s fourth AFCON appearance, having featured at the 2019, 2021 and 2023 editions.

He won bronze with Nigeria in Egypt and was also part of the team that finished second at the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. Drawing on that experience, the former CD Leganés defender says personal positions mean little when national success is at stake.

“If the coach wants me to be a goalkeeper, I’m ready. If he wants me to be a striker, I’m ready,” Awaziem said in an interview with Elegbete TV.

Leading the charge is star striker Victor Osimhen, who has called on his teammates to show hunger and determination from the first whistle. Speaking to Pooja Media, Osimhen stressed the importance of taking nothing for granted.

“This AFCON is an opportunity for us to do well and try to make sure that we win the tournament,” he said.

“Of course, it is not going to be easy; we have to fight for every game, fight for every ball.

“We have to try to win every game and see if we can get to the final and win it.”

Osimhen will be eager to inspire Nigeria to go one step further than they did in the last edition in the Ivory Coast, where they finished runners-up. They will kick off their AFCON campaign against Tanzania at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23.