Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s captain, Harmony Chidi, has revealed that her mother initially opposed her ambition to play football, preferring that she get married instead.
Chidi said her grandmother was the only family member who encouraged her to pursue the sport despite her mother’s disapproval. She added that her grandmother has since passed away.
“When I started football, my mama didn’t allow me to 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 my mum and me now,” she said.
The young forward also spoke about the difficulties she encountered while trying to establish herself in football, identifying injuries and the loss of friendships as some of the toughest experiences.
“Nothing hard me pass injury, all my friends leave me; nobody wan associate with me,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Chidi draws inspiration from several established footballers, including Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala.
The U-17 captain also revealed her ambition to surpass Oshoala’s achievements, setting herself a major target as she continues her football journey.
“My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala,” she said.
Chidi’s comments offer an insight into the personal challenges she has faced in pursuing football and the ambition driving her career.
