Nigerian U-17 captain Harmony Chidi has opened up about the challenges she faced while pursuing her football career, revealing that her mother initially opposed her decision to become a footballer.
In a recent interview, the young footballer disclosed that her mother wanted her to get married rather than play football when she first expressed interest in the sport.
According to Harmony, it was her grandmother who believed in her dream and encouraged her to continue playing despite her mother’s reservations.
Sadly, she revealed that her grandmother has passed away, leaving her and her mother as the only immediate family members she has now.
Speaking about her ambition, Harmony Chidi expressed her desire to become even greater than Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala, who has inspired many young female footballers.
“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. My dream is to be greater than Asisat Oshoala,” she said.
Her revelation has drawn attention to the challenges young female footballers sometimes face while trying to pursue their dreams, particularly when their families do not initially support their career choices.
Despite the obstacles, Harmony remains determined to make a name for herself and follow in the footsteps of established Nigerian football stars.