Nantes may be battling relegation in the Ligue 1, but Nigerian defender, Chidozie Awaziem, will have something to soothe his struggles temporarily, after being named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week following a commanding display in their 3-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille last Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian centre-back was one of the standout performers across the French top flight, earning recognition in the weekly selection compiled by Sofascore.
Operating in a back three, Awaziem delivered a solid defensive display, recording eight clearances, winning six duels and completing 28 of his 32 passes. His positioning and reading of the game were key as Nantes kept a clean sheet against one of the league’s most potent attacks.
Behind him, Patrik Carlgren produced an outstanding performance in goal, making eight saves—seven from inside the box—and registering 1.45 goals prevented, an indicator of his influence on the result.
Elsewhere in defence, Aïssa Mandi impressed for Lille OSC, while Malang Sarr stood out for RC Lens with a tireless display that included 11 duels won and several key defensive interventions.
In midfield, Corentin Tolisso starred for Olympique Lyonnais in their 4-2 win over Stade Rennais, scoring once and providing two assists. Rudy Matondo also shone for Paris FC with a brace in a 4-0 win over Stade Brestois, while Matthis Abline contributed a goal and an assist for Nantes.
On the wings, Afonso Moreira impressed for Lyon, winning a penalty and drawing six fouls, while Lassine Sinayoko delivered a goal, an assist and five key passes for AJ Auxerre in their win over Angers SCO.
In attack, Sékou Mara scored twice and added an assist, while Aiyegun Tosin made an impact off the bench for FC Lorient, scoring in their 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain.
Awaziem has been a key figure for Nantes since joining from Colorado Rapids in the summer of 2025. The Super Eagles defender, who previously had a loan spell at the club, has established himself as a regular in the heart of the defence.
He has made 25 league appearances this season, helping Nantes keep five clean sheets. His defensive output has been notable, with 177 clearances ranking among the highest in the league, while he has also contributed one goal and two assists, including a late equaliser against Lorient earlier in the campaign.
Despite his individual form, Nantes remain in danger of relegation. They sit 17th on the table with 23 points from 32 matches, five points adrift of safety.
Their win over Marseille has boosted their survival hopes, but difficult fixtures against Lens and Toulouse FC lie ahead, with the club needing positive results to avoid the drop.
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