It was a night of devastation for Nigeria international Chidozie Awaziem as FC Nantes were officially relegated from Ligue 1 following a narrow 1-0 defeat to RC Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The result confirms Nantes’ drop into Ligue 2 with one game still remaining, ending their 13-year stay in the French top flight in painful fashion.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute, when 16-year-old Lens debutant Mezian Soares scored with his first touch of the ball, breaking Nantes’ resistance and sealing their fate.
Awaziem played the full 90 minutes and once again stood out in a struggling side, delivering a committed defensive performance filled with clearances, blocks, and aerial duels.
Despite the team’s collapse, the Super Eagles defender has been one of Nantes’ most consistent performers this season, featuring in 26 Ligue 1 matches and emerging as a defensive leader.
“Awaziem has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult campaign.”
However, Nantes’ problems were collective — just five wins in 32 matches and a lack of attacking firepower ultimately doomed them.
For Awaziem, the relegation adds another difficult chapter to a career that has often involved fighting survival battles across Europe, leaving uncertainty over his next move this summer.
