Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi targets historic U-17 World Cup title for Nigeria

Harmony Chidi with the coveted trophy along with Japan captain Credit FIFA Media

Nigeria captain Harmony Chidi says winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup would create an unforgettable moment for the country as the Flamingos prepare to face Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

Chidi said lifting the trophy would be a source of pride for the players, their coaches and the country, which is seeking to become the first African nation to win the competition.

“I think it would be a great thing, a joy, and would never be forgotten in life,” she told FIFA.

“Reaching the final is a very big thing, it’s a great thing, and it’s something that we have dreamed of. [Winning] would be something myself, my country, my teammates, our coaches, and everybody would be proud of.”

Nigeria have already made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final of the competition. A victory over Japan would take that achievement further by securing the continent’s first title.

The Flamingos’ journey to the final has been marked by a remarkable recovery after they lost 2-1 to Poland in their opening Group B match.

Under coach Akeem Busari, Nigeria responded with five consecutive victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions DPR Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil to reach the final.

Their 3-1 victory over DPR Korea was one of the campaign’s defining moments, while the semi-final win over Brazil secured their place in the title match.

Busari had declared before the tournament that Nigeria wanted to become champions, and his team now have an opportunity to fulfil that ambition against Japan.

For Chidi, however, reaching the final is only part of the dream. The captain is hoping to lead her teammates to a victory that would give Nigeria and the players a lasting place in the competition’s history.

The final gives the Flamingos a chance to turn their historic campaign into an unprecedented triumph for African women’s football.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini