Flamingos Captain Harmony Chidi: My Goal is to Surpass Asisat Oshoala

Nigeria's U-17 women's national team captain, Harmony Chidi, has shared insights into the initial hurdles she faced from her mother regarding her football aspirations. She revealed that her late grandmother was her sole family advocate at the time. During an interview with BBC News Pidgin, monitored by PUNCH Online on Thursday, Chidi recounted how her mother initially opposed her playing football, instead preferring she settle down in marriage. "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," Chidi stated after leading the Flamingos to their remarkable FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup success.

The promising young captain also detailed the personal challenges encountered during her career development, including the significant impact of injuries and the painful dissolution of friendships. "Nothing harder injury, all my friends left me, nobody wanted to associate with me," she added, highlighting the isolation she experienced.

Despite these adversities, Chidi draws inspiration from some of the world's most renowned footballers. She listed Nigerian prolific striker Victor Osimhen, Manchester City's formidable forward Erling Haaland, England captain Harry Kane, Barcelona winger Raphinha, and Super Falcons icon Asisat Oshoala as athletes she deeply admires.

However, Chidi's ambition transcends mere admiration; she is determined to surpass their achievements. "I have like five players that I dream to be better than: Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Asisat Oshoala. I want to be greater than them," she declared. She specifically highlighted Oshoala, expressing a clear aspiration: "My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala."