Nigeria’s historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup-winning captain, Harmony Chidi, has opened up about the personal struggles she endured on her journey to becoming a footballer, revealing that a serious injury last year nearly forced her to abandon the game.
In an exclusive interview with BBC News Pidgin, Chidi reflected on the difficulties she faced growing up, including the early death of her father, her mother’s initial opposition to her football ambitions and the loss of her grandmother, who was one of her biggest supporters.
The youngster disclosed that her mother initially wanted her to get married rather than pursue a career in football, but her grandmother encouraged her to follow her dreams.
“When I started football, my mother didn’t allow me to play, and my Father died early. My mother wanted me to get married. But my Grandmother supported me, she wanted me to play football. Unfortunately, my Grandmother has died now,” Chidi said.
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The Flamingos captain credited Prince Chidi, owner of her grassroots club, Imo Strikers, for playing a significant role in her development, describing him as a father figure who gave her the encouragement and support she needed to pursue a career in football.
“It wasn’t really easy coming up as a footballer. Then I met Prince Chidi who I see as my Father now. He’s the owner of Imo Strikers, my grassroots team. He’s the one who encouraged me and made me know that he’ll do anything possible to make sure I play football and achieve my dreams,” she revealed.
However, Chidi identified an injury she sustained last year, at a time when she was enjoying the best period of her career, as the most difficult challenge she has faced in football.
The forward explained that the setback affected her confidence and relationships, claiming that several people who were previously close to her distanced themselves following the injury.
“Injury was my most difficult challenge. I had an injury when I was at my peak last year. The injury has ended the dreams of many Nigerian players. All my friends left me, nobody wanted to associate with me again,” she said.
Chidi admitted that the experience was particularly difficult, as she began questioning whether she would ever return to football and even considered pursuing an alternative career.
“It was really tough. I kept thinking if I could still play football. It felt like I should go for a plan B, this was just last year,” she added.
Despite those challenges, Chidi eventually returned to the pitch and went on to captain Nigeria to an unprecedented triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico and a 3-1 win against defending champions North Korea to progress from the group stage.
Nigeria subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarterfinals to secure a place in the last four.
The Nigerian youngsters continued their impressive run with a 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semifinals before defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Beyond leading the team to the historic achievement, Chidi also revealed the footballers who inspire her, naming five players she looks up to as she continues to develop her career.
The Nigerian U-17 Women’s captain identified Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, England captain Harry Kane, Brazilian winger Raphinha and Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala as her biggest inspirations.
However, Chidi has set an ambitious target for herself, insisting that she wants to surpass the achievements of all five players.
“There are five players that inspire me. Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Asisat Oshoala. I want to be greater than them,” she stated.
Having overcome family challenges, personal loss and an injury that once threatened to end her football ambitions, Chidi’s emergence as captain of Nigeria’s historic world champions represents another significant milestone in her journey towards achieving her dreams.
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