Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi has revealed that her mother initially opposed her ambition to become a footballer and wanted her to get married following the early death of her father.
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The 17-year-old, who led Nigeria to a historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, said her journey in football was sustained largely by the support of her grandmother and foster father.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final to become the first African country to win the competition.
Speaking about how her football journey began, Chidi said her mother did not initially support her decision to pursue the sport.
“When I started football, my mother didn’t want me to play. My father died early, so my mother wanted me to get married. It was my grandmother who stood by me and pushed me to play football. Unfortunately, my grandmother is late,” she told BBC Pidgin.
Chidi said her journey became easier after she met her foster father, Prince Chidi, who owns her grassroots club, Imo Strikers.
“It wasn’t easy until I met my foster father, Prince Chidi. He is the owner of my grassroots team, Imo Strikers, and he encourages me, making sure that I achieve my dream,” she said.
The Bayelsa Queens striker also disclosed that her career was almost derailed by a serious injury that prevented her from participating in the previous edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Chidi had been part of the squad in the previous cycle but missed the tournament because of the injury, which she described as the most difficult period of her football career.
“There is nothing that has been more difficult than my injury. It is an injury that has killed the dream of many players in Nigeria. All my friends deserted me and it was tough. I even thought of an alternative plan,” she said.
Despite the setback, Chidi recovered and eventually captained Nigeria to the historic world title in Morocco.
The teenager, however, said she was not satisfied with stopping at her present achievements, naming five established football stars she hopes to emulate and surpass.
“I have like five players that I want to be like: Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Asisat Oshoala. I want to be greater than them,” she said.
Chidi’s contribution to the Flamingos’ triumph also earned her a share of the presidential reward announced by President Bola Tinubu.
At a reception for the team at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, the President, through First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, awarded each player a ₦100 million Federal Government savings bond, with the funds to be preserved for their future.
Head coach Akeem Busari was awarded ₦100 million in cash, while members of the technical crew were allocated ₦50 million each.
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