Porto loanee Chidozie Awaziem is hoping he can play a big role for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup and has reminded everyone that the Super Eagles beat Spain 3-2 at the 1998 World Cup at Stade de la Beaujoire,  the home ground of his present club Nantes.

The 21-year-old is presently with the national team at their get-together in Wrocław as they prepare to take on Poland in an international friendly on Friday night.

''We want our country to be proud of us. I know we are going to have a good World Cup in Russia. Gernot Rohr, our coach, told me he had coached FC Nantes but I did not know it was in Ligue 2! '' said Awaziem to Ouest France.

''It was my dream to play for Nigeria. I am one of the representatives of this country so big. Nigeria beat Spain here in La Beaujoire at the 1998 World Cup.''

The central defender or full-back opened his goal-scoring account for Nantes against Guingamp in October 2017 and has admitted that it was one of his best moments since he arrived in France last summer.

''My arrival was rather made in the context of an exchange. I had other choices. Here, I scored against Guingamp, in front of our fans, it's an incredible feeling.

''They help us a lot, bring us the strength to fight, the atmosphere is fantastic. My future ? I do not know, it depends on the club, Porto, but also me,'' added Awaziem.

Awaziem has lasted the distance in each of the three games he has played for the Super Eagles, against Togo, South Africa and Argentina.

Igho Kingsley