'God healed me' - Flamingos captain rejoices after recovery from injury, ready for Guinea clash

Flamingos captain Chidi Harmony has expressed gratitude to God following her return from injury as Nigeria prepare for their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Guinea.

Harmony missed the last edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup due to injury, a setback that denied her the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Now fully fit, the talented youngster is focused on helping the Flamingos secure qualification for the tournament.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s first-leg encounter against Guinea, the skipper reflected on her difficult recovery journey and credited God for her comeback.

“First and foremost, I have to thank God for what he has done for me because I believe it's all God,” Harmony said to Ademola Victor TV.

“God healed me, God brought me back and made me start playing again. It can only be him.

“Even through the process of recovery, it is still Him that provided and came through for me. So all glory returned to Him.”

The Flamingos captain also praised the atmosphere within the squad, highlighting the unity and determination among the players and technical crew as preparations intensify for the crucial qualifier.

“The camp has been joyful, we have been in unity, trying to know each other, trying to settle each other when we have misunderstandings,” she added.

“The training has been good and tough and the players, we have been playing with people that have the zeal and passion of football.

“The coaches and technical crew, they carry us along. They make us family as much as we are coming from different homes. They bring us together to make us to be one, to make us sisters.”

Harmony further expressed confidence in the team’s readiness ahead of the encounter, insisting the Flamingos are determined to secure a positive result away from home.

“Nothing much, by His grace, I pray and know we have worked, it is just to get the victory over there,” Harmony said.

Nigeria will face Guinea U-17 on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Flamingos will be aiming to secure a favourable result before the return leg in Nigeria as they continue their quest for a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.