Chidozie Awaziem captains relegation-threatened Boavista to 2-0 victory

In a crucial Friday night clash for relegation-battling Portuguese Primeira Liga side Boavista, Super Eagles star Chidozie Collins Awaziem captained the team to a 2-0 victory over the fifth-placed side Pacos de Ferreira in the top-flight clash between the pair of clubs.

The Nigerian defender led by example from the centre-back position to ensure that Boavista earned their eighth clean sheet in 27 matches in the league this season. This would be the fourth occasion where Awaziem was picked as team captain in the 2020/2021 campaign.

The 24-year-old did not disappoint. Although on the pitch for 79 minutes, Awaziem impressed in his command of the backline, making certain to keep his wingmen alert to threats from the attacking players of Ferreira. For his exertions, he was yellow-carded in the 29th minute but kept his discipline enough to preserve the clean sheet without earning a second yellow.

The post-match statistics illustrate that, in all, Awaziem won four duels, made four clearances and two interceptions in marshaling the defense. He also had a pass accuracy of 81%, including two successful long balls to advance the attack from the back.

Yusupha Njie broke the deadlock for Boavista in the 13th minute from a through ball sent his way by Alberth Elis. Three minutes before the interval, the former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomis doubled the lead to secure a comfortable win for the hosts.

Although the teams around them on the table have a game in hand, the result lifts Jesualdo Ferreira’s men to 13th place with 28 points, four points ahead of Maritimo in the last relegation spot. They have the chance to escape relegation but they will have to maintain this form in the matches ahead.