Liverpool, Villarreal in hot chase for Awaziem

The rumours surrounding Liverpool’s interest in Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem gathered steam two days back during the Super Eagles friendly game against Corsica.

Awaziem was handed his senior national team debut by Coach Gernot Rohr in the 1-1 draw against the French Island, and the 20-year-old responded with a strong performance which saw him last the entire duration of the game.

Playing alongside William Troost-Ekong in central defence, the FC Porto defender was watched by Liverpool who have been keeping tabs on him after spotting him in a game for FC Porto B.

However they face competition for his possible signing with Spanish La-Liga side Villarreal also cited in the stands during the Super Eagles game against Corsica.

FC Porto inserted a buyout clause of €20m when the tough tackling defender signed fresh terms with the club two seasons ago after his breakthrough at the Portuguese side. A fee which Porto insist must be met by interested parties before a move away will be entertained.

Meanwhile, Slovakian side ‎AS Trencin have concluded the signing of talented Nigerian midfielder Gabriel Okoriko on a three-year deal as replacement for Rueben Gabriel who left the club few months ago.

Okoriko will in the coming days leave for Slovakia to team up with Trencin, and further swell the Nigerian contingent at the club who are known to have close ties with players from Nigeria.

19-year-old Okoriko played sparingly for Nigeria Premier League side Niger Tornadoes this season following his move from Kaduna United before the start of the season.

The GBS starlet captained Kaduna United last season, and an official of the Nigeria National League side (NNL) confirmed his imminent transfer to Slovakia in an exclusive interview.

” Gabriel should leave for Slovakia any moment from now. He is going to join AS Trencin from what I was told. We (Kaduna United) wish him the best in his career, his quality has never been in doubt”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.