Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi has revealed that her mother initially opposed her football ambition, preferring she get married after the early demise of her father.
The 17-year-old recently led Nigeria to a historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final, making the Flamingos the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy. Despite the continental glory, the Bayelsa Queens forward revealed that her journey to the world stage was contested on the home front.
Speaking during a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, the World Cup winner narrated the family dynamics that nearly derailed her career. The 17-year-old World Cup-winning striker, however, stated that her late grandmother and foster father stood by her to achieve her football dreams.
“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 stated.
The teenager also recognised the backing of her foster father, Prince Chidi, who owns her grassroots team, Imo Strikers. She emphasized that his continuous encouragement ensured she achieved her dreams.
Chidi also disclosed that a severe injury previously kept her out of the last edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup. She described the recovery phase as the darkest period of her career, revealing that she was abandoned by close associates and nearly quit the sport.
“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 recounted.
The young forward, unfazed by past setbacks, reiterated her commitment to reaching the pinnacle of global football. She listed Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha, and Asisat Oshoala as her primary role models, adding that she possesses the drive to surpass their professional achievements.
In recognition of the team’s historic feat, President Bola Tinubu hosted the victorious Flamingos at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday. Represented by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the President rewarded each player with a ₦100 million Federal Government savings bond to secure their future.
The Federal Government also rewarded Head Coach Akeem Busari with ₦100 million in cash. Other members of the technical crew received ₦50 million each for their roles.
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