'We never back down' – Super Eagles CB Awaziem warns Wasps, Bafana Bafana ahead of WCQs

Chidozie Awaziem has been recalled to the Super Eagles squad after spending more than a year out of international contention, stepping back into the fold at a pivotal moment in Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former Porto centre-back last featured in a Nigeria matchday squad in June 2024, but has been handed a recall following Semi Ajayi’s withdrawal from the September fixtures with a hamstring injury. 

Awaziem’s return comes shortly after his summer switch to French Ligue 1 outfit Nantes.

Nigeria trail Group C leaders South Africa by six points heading into matchday seven against Rwanda, leaving no margin for error in their back-to-back fixtures this month.

Awaziem has issued a strong rallying cry ahead of the decisive clashes against Rwanda's Wasps and South Africa's Bafana Bafana.

"The only mindset we have is the winning mentality, we really want to win and everyone is ready for that because everyone knows the task,” Awaziem told  Victor Modo.

"It’s not going to be easy, two difficult games, but we are Nigerians, we know the spirit that we have. We have a very strong spirit and believe in ourselves."

The 28-year-old underlined that the Super Eagles will fight until the end, insisting Nigerians can expect a team ready to give everything for victory.

"We never back down, we go for it and I believe Nigerians should expect a team that is going to go all out to win the game. 

"We are going to give everything. We know that something can happen but we are not giving in for that. We are here right now to perform and get six points.

Awaziem was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 2018 World Cup but was an unused substitute in the three games contested by the three-time African champions during the tournament in Russia.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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