‘My mother wanted me married, not playing football’ — U-17 captain Harmony Chidi

Nigeria’s U-17 captain, Harmony Chidi, has revealed that her mother opposed her football ambition and wanted her to get married instead of pursuing a career in the sport.

Chidi said her grandmother was the only person who encouraged her to play football despite her mother’s disapproval, adding that the woman has since passed away.

“When I started football, my mama didn’t allow me play, she didn’t want me playing football, she wanted me to get married. Only my grandma encouraged me and now my grandma is no more, it’s just me and my mum now,” she said.

The young footballer also opened up about the difficulties she faced while trying to establish herself, describing injuries and the loss of friendships as some of the hardest parts of her journey.

“Nothing hard me pass injury, all my friends leave me, nobody wan associate with me,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Chidi said she draws inspiration from top footballers, including Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala.

She also revealed her biggest ambition, declaring that she wants to surpass Oshoala’s achievements.

“My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala,” she said.