Former Nigerian football international Tijani Babangida and his family were tragically involved in a fatal motor accident on the Kaduna-Zaria highway, leading to the loss of Tijani’s younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida.
Tijani, known for his remarkable career with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and his gold medal achievement at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, was a passenger in the vehicle during the accident, which occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2024.
The devastating news was communicated by Tijani’s former teammate, Emmanuel Babayaro, who currently serves as the General Secretary of PFAN. In a somber statement, Babayaro extended condolences and urged for prayers for Tijani and his family as they grapple with this profound loss.
The statement issued read: “Comrades! Let us keep Tijani Babangida and his family in our prayers, as they were involved in a tragic motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria road. Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, lost his life in the accident, while Mr. President (Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital. May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen.”
Further reports circulating within Nigerian media have indicated that Tijani himself has succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. However, as of now, the Nigeria Football Federation has not released an official statement to confirm these reports.
The potential loss of Tijani Babangida would reverberate deeply within the Nigerian football community, mourning the departure of a true sporting icon.
Tijani’s illustrious football career spanned five countries and three continents, with notable spells in the Netherlands where he represented prestigious clubs such as VVV-Venlo, Roda JC, Ajax, and Vitesse over a nine-year period.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Babangida, Tijani’s brother, also made his mark in Nigerian football, notably featuring for Bank of the North, Stationary Store FC, and Katsina United before venturing to the Netherlands to join Volendam from 1997 to 2002, where he made 51 appearances and scored 7 goals for the Dutch side.
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