My mother wanted me to marry not playing football

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team captain, Harmony Chidi, has revealed that her mother initially opposed her decision to play football and wanted her to get married instead.

Chidi said her grandmother was the only person who supported her football dream despite her mother’s opposition.

She explained that her grandmother encouraged her to continue playing football but has since passed away.

“When I started football, my mother did not allow me to play. She did not want me playing football; she wanted me to get married.

Only my grandmother encouraged me, but now she is no more. It is just me and my mother,” she said.

The young footballer also spoke about the challenges she faced while building her career, particularly injuries and the loss of friendships.She said injuries were among the most difficult experiences she had faced, adding that many of her friends abandoned her and stopped associating with her.

“Nothing hurt me more than injuries. All my friends left me, and nobody wanted to associate with me,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Chidi said she remains motivated by some of the world’s top footballers.

She listed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, England captain Harry Kane, Barcelona winger Raphinha and Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala as players she admires.

The Flamingos captain also revealed that she hopes to achieve more than Oshoala, who is one of Nigeria’s most successful female footballers.

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