The transfer of Nigeria international defender Chidozie Awaziem to French Ligue 1 side Nantes has been put on hold owing to a dispute over his wages at Portuguese side Boavista, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Boavista reportedly agreed a fee of €1.4m for his permanent transfer to Nantes but the move is now being delayed with Awaziem insisting on claiming wages he is owed by the Portuguese side.
The Nigerian who spent last season on loan to Croatian side Hajduk Split is keen on sealing a return to Nantes, where he spent the 2017/2018 season on loan during his days at FC Porto. He is their top pick as the replacement for Andrei Girotto in central defence.
Awaziem might decide to take the case to FIFA and likey get a judgement on 16th of June paving the way for him to join Nantes on an already agreed four years deal. He could yet get to leave for free if FIFA rules in his favor.
His camp are claiming that he hasn’t been paid for a period of time that is long enough for his contracted to be terminated, hence making his a free player but that argument is strongly refuted by the club.
According to L’equipe Nantes are playing the waiting game hoping for a quick resolution to the impasse to allow the 26 year old Nigeria international to join them for the Ligue 1 season.
Ade Emmanuel
