Flamingos Star Harmony Chidi Sends Bold Warning To Benin After Narrow First-Leg Victory
Flamingos striker Harmony Chidi has expressed confidence that Nigeria will complete the job against Benin Republic in the second leg of their 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie, insisting the team has learned valuable lessons from the opening encounter.
The prolific forward admitted the first leg was much tougher than expected despite Nigeria securing a narrow victory, but believes the Flamingos have the quality and mentality to finish strongly away from home.
The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, are aiming to book another place at the CAF U-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with qualification also guaranteeing a shot at the next FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“It was a difficult game because sometimes football doesn’t go the way you plan. We thank God for the victory, and we’ll come back stronger in the second leg,” Chidi said.
Nigeria created several scoring opportunities during the first leg but struggled with their finishing, allowing Benin Republic to remain in contention ahead of the return fixture.
Chidi, who has developed into one of the standout players in the Flamingos squad with her eye for goal and relentless work rate, believes the team will be more clinical in the decisive encounter.
“We know what we need to improve, and we’re ready to give everything to qualify. We’ll do much better in the return leg,” she added.
The youngster also thanked Nigerian supporters for their unwavering encouragement, promising that the players remain fully committed to extending the country’s impressive record in women’s youth football.
With qualification still on the line, the Flamingos know another disciplined and determined performance will be required to overcome Benin Republic and keep alive their hopes of returning to the continental championship and ultimately the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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