Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem featured prominently at both ends of the pitch in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against FC Lorient, first inadvertently opening the scoring with an own goal before redeeming himself with a dramatic 91st-minute equaliser.

According to Le Télégramme, the French Football Federation’s Arbitration Department has now confirmed that the initial goal—credited as an own goal by the Nigerian international—was correctly awarded after a detailed post-match review.

The match’s opening goal arrived when Lorient defender Bamo Meïté sent a forward pass toward Sambou Soumano, who was clearly in an offside position.

Although the ball appeared destined for the striker, it never reached him. 

Awaziem, attempting to intervene, unintentionally steered the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Referee Ruddy Buquet initially disallowed the goal due to Soumano’s positioning, but after consulting VAR, he overturned his decision and awarded the opener to Lorient.

The call triggered widespread debate, particularly over whether Soumano’s offside position had influenced Awaziem’s defensive action.

In its post-match review, however, the Arbitration Directorate fully validated Buquet’s final decision. 

The department’s analysis, supported by video footage, concluded that Soumano “did not take an active part in the game” and exerted no influence on either Awaziem or the goalkeeper.

The ruling emphasized that the defender’s touch was independent of any offside interference, meaning the goal complied fully with Law 11.

Wale Adejumo