Flamingos captain, Harmony Chidi, has disclosed that her mother wanted her to get married rather than pursue a career in football after the early death of her father.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 17-year-old revealed that her grandmother, however, supported her ambition and encouraged her to continue playing football despite her mother’s opposition.

Chidi, who recently captained Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team to a historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory in Morocco, shared her experience during an interview with BBC Pidgin.

According to the young footballer, her grandmother played a significant role in keeping her football dream alive, although she has since passed away.

She said, “When I started football, my mother didn’t want me to play. My father died early, so my mother wanted me to get married. It was my grandmother who stood by me and pushed me to play football. Unfortunately, my grandmother is late.”

The Bayelsa Queens striker also acknowledged the contribution of her foster father, Prince Chidi, whom she credited with helping her overcome challenges and providing the support she needed to pursue her ambition.

Prince Chidi, who owns her grassroots club, Imo Strikers, reportedly encouraged her to remain focused on achieving her football dreams.

Chidi said, “It wasn’t easy until I met my foster father, Prince Chidi. He is the owner of my grassroots team, Imo Strikers, and he encourages me, making sure that I achieve my dream.”

The teenager also recounted how a serious injury nearly brought her football career to an end and prevented her from representing Nigeria at the previous edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

She described the injury as the toughest period of her career, revealing that some of her friends abandoned her while she struggled to recover.

“There is nothing that has been more difficult than my injury. It is an injury that has killed the dream of many players in Nigeria. All my friends deserted me and it was tough. I even thought of an alternative plan,” she said.

However, Chidi eventually recovered and returned to the pitch, leading Nigeria to its first-ever title in the competition.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Despite the historic achievement, the young captain said she remains determined to reach greater heights in her football career.

She listed Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Nigerian women’s football star Asisat Oshoala among the players she admires and hopes to surpass.

“I have like five players that I want to be like: Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Asisat Oshoala. I want to be greater than them,” she said.

Nigeria will be seeking to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign when the Super Eagles take on Tanzania in a crucial Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo at 5 p.m. today, November 13.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Head coach Eric Chelle and his players understand the importance of securing victory as they aim to improve their chances of qualifying for the continental competition.

Reports indicate that the Super Eagles have collected three points from their opening two qualifying matches. Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau away from home in September.

The result has left Nigeria trailing Guinea-Bissau, who currently have four points, in the Group L standings, putting additional pressure on the Super Eagles to secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures.

Meanwhile, Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts alongside Uganda and Kenya. This leaves just one automatic qualification ticket available in the group.

Ahead of the encounter, Chelle has challenged his players to secure victories in both meetings against the Taifa Stars. The second leg is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam four days after Friday’s fixture.

Nigeria’s recent performances have also generated concerns, as the Super Eagles have managed just one victory in their last five international matches. During that period, they recorded two draws and two defeats without keeping a clean sheet.

Their recent run includes a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly on October 6.

Despite their inconsistent form, the Super Eagles will take confidence from their impressive historical record against Tanzania.

Nigeria have won five and drawn three of their eight previous encounters with the Taifa Stars, who are yet to record a victory against the West African giants.

Their most recent meeting was at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where Nigeria claimed a 2-1 victory, with Ademola Lookman playing an important role in the encounter.

Portuguese football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has commenced production of his first scripted television series, titled Day 1s, as he continues to expand his business interests beyond the football pitch.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Al-Nassr forward announced the development on Thursday, November 12, in a post on his Instagram account, confirming that production of the drama had officially begun.

“Exciting news! Production of my first TV show, Day 1s, has just started. More to come!” he wrote.

The series is being developed by UR Marv Studios, a production company Ronaldo co-founded with British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn in 2025.

Day 1s will explore the business side of British football, with its storyline revolving around influential football agent Stanley Dalton, portrayed by British actor Damian Lewis, who is famous for his roles in Homeland and Billions.

Ronaldo will serve as an executive producer and is also expected to make his scripted acting debut by appearing in the series as himself.

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry and British rapper Dave are also associated with the project. Dave, whose full name is David Orobosa Omoregie, previously featured in the British crime drama Top Boy.

The idea for the series reportedly originated from football agent Darren Dein, whose former clients have included Henry.

Although the producers are yet to disclose a release date or broadcasting platform, photographs shared by Ronaldo and other personalities involved in the project have provided glimpses of its football-themed setting.

Some scenes were reportedly filmed in a dressing room at Brentford’s stadium.

Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Vaughn is collaborating with Ronaldo on another film project, titled Stuntnuts, which is expected to feature Hollywood actors Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon.

Naija News reports that Ronaldo’s latest entertainment venture comes days after he announced his retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old footballer continues to feature for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, while building a growing business portfolio that spans fashion, hospitality and media investments.