Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi insists Nigeria’s players are feeling no pressure as they begin their WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, crediting the coaching crew with creating a relaxed environment despite the expectations surrounding the team.
Nigeria will open their campaign against Niger Republic in Yamoussoukro on Wednesday, following a late change to the tournament schedule caused by the withdrawal of Benin Republic.
The Flamingos had initially prepared to begin against fierce rivals Ghana, but the reshuffle means the eagerly anticipated West African showdown will now take place on Saturday, September 19.
For Chidi, however, the identity of the opposition has not changed the mood within the Nigerian camp.
The captain said the players are relaxed and focused on carrying out the instructions of the technical crew, with head coach Hakeem Busari and his staff working to ensure expectations do not become a burden.
Her message is particularly significant given the bigger assignment awaiting the Flamingos after the regional competition.
Nigeria are using the WAFU-B tournament as a major part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, which will run from October 17 to November 8.
The Flamingos have been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland, making competitive preparation in Côte d’Ivoire especially valuable before they head to the global stage.
Chidi herself arrives at the tournament in impressive scoring form.
The Bayelsa Queens forward produced a devastating performance during Nigeria’s preparations in Abuja, scoring four times as the Flamingos demolished Diamond Stars Sporting Queens 11-0 in a friendly.
Mary Dunstan added a hat-trick in the same encounter, while Chidi had also scored in Nigeria’s earlier 3-0 victory over Youngstar Football Academy.
Those results have helped Nigeria build confidence heading into competitive action, but Chidi’s comments suggest the emphasis inside the camp is on remaining composed rather than allowing expectations to take over.
The captain will also have a significant leadership responsibility in Côte d’Ivoire.
She is one of five forwards selected in Busari’s 20-player squad, alongside Oluebube Umejiaku, Sakirat Sarafa, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Destiny Itobore.
Nigeria and Ghana are two of the four African countries that will compete at the forthcoming U-17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Kenya and Zambia, adding another layer of significance to their eventual meeting on Saturday.
But before thoughts turn to that rivalry, the Flamingos have Niger Republic to negotiate.
For Chidi, the formula is to remain calm, trust the work done by the coaching staff and allow the football to take centre stage.
The World Cup is only a month away and Ghana are waiting later in the tournament, but Nigeria’s captain has made the mood inside the Flamingos camp clear: there is no pressure, only a determination to perform.
