Awaziem delays trip to Porto after contracting malaria on the day of AFCON final; Onyemaechi back in Portugal 

Nigeria international Chidozie Awaziem is unlikely to be available for selection on Saturday afternoon when Boavista take on Chaves in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. 

According to various reports in the Portuguese press including the sports division of  Rádio e Televisão de Portugal,  Awaziem has not yet returned to Porto after the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as he contracted malaria during the competition. 

Awaziem began to feel some symptoms of the disease precisely on the day of the final, which the Super Eagles lost to the Elephants.

The central defender was named in the matchday squad against Ivory Coast but was a non-playing substitute, and showed signs of physical weakness when the Super Eagles returned to Abuja. 

Awaziem is in touch with Boavista's medical department and will travel to Portugal as soon as he has fully recovered from the ailment. 

His only appearance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was in the Super Eagles final group game against Guinea-Bissau, coming off the bench to replace Ola Aina in stoppage time. 

Meanwhile, Awaziem's teammate at Boavista, Bruno Onyemaechi has returned to Portugal and should train with the Panthers on Friday.

The left-back was not utilized by manager Jose Peseiro at the Africa Cup of Nations, though he was named in the matchday squad on four occasions. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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