Nigeria, Nov. 22 -- Chidozie Awaziem is quietly authoring one of the most complete defensive seasons in French football, a campaign that now places him at the very top of Ligue 1's individual rankings.

While FC Nantes battle through inconsistency and emotional turbulence, the 28-year-old Nigerian has become the club's heartbeat, its stabilising force, and according to recent Opta numbers, the most effective defender in the entire French top flight.

Opta, via Tribune Nantaise, reports that Awaziem has produced 128 successful defensive actions across the opening 12 Ligue 1 matchdays, more than any other player in the division.

That tally covers duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, and the unseen work that keeps an ailin...