I want to be better than Oshoala, Flamingos captain

Flamingos captain, Harmony Chidi, has shared the early challenges she faced from her mother when she chose to play football. She revealed that her late grandmother was her only supporter during that time.

In an interview with BBC News Pidgin, which PUNCH Online listened to on Thursday, Chidi talked about leading the Flamingos to their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup win. She said her mother did not support her playing football and preferred that she get married instead.

“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.

Chidi also discussed the personal struggles she faced while growing her career. She mentioned how injuries affected her and how she lost friends along the way.

“Nothing harder injury, all my friends left me, nobody wanted to associate with me,” Chidi added.

Despite these difficulties, she finds motivation from some of the best footballers in the world. She admires Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, England captain Harry Kane, Barcelona winger Raphinha, and Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala.

Chidi made it clear that she wants more than just to admire them. She is determined to surpass them.

“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 said.

She specifically mentioned Oshoala: “My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala.”