FC Cincinnati acquired Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem from Boavista in Portugal’s top flight on Thursday.

The 27-year-old center back is under contract through 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027.

Awaziem arrives following season-ending injuries to FCC defenders Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund.

“We’re delighted to have Chidozie join the club,” Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright said in a news release. “He’s a talented defender with extensive experience at the European and international level. His quality, character and leadership will be a valuable addition to our group, and I’d like to welcome him to Cincinnati.”

Awaziem has appeared in more than 250 professional matches since 2015, including top-flight stints at FC Porto (Portugal), Hajduk Split (Croatia), Alanyaspor (Turkey), Nantes (France) and Leganes (Spain).

“It’s been a wonderful time I’ve had with Cincinnati,” Awaziem said. “I see the love the fans and everybody has for soccer. I see all the games that Cincinnati have been playing, and this has motivated me a lot to be part of this team and to feel like what it is to be a player for FC Cincinnati and represent this wonderful and amazing club.”

Internationally, he has earned 33 caps with Nigeria and was member of the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.

–Field Level Media