Ajax and Louis Van Gaal send emotional consolation message to Babaginda Tijani

Tijani Babangida was known for his quick feet, and his football journey spanned five countries across three continents.

Vitesse and AFC Ajax players sent an emotional condolence message to former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babaginda, after he was involved in a tragic accident with his family, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Ajax winger was involved in an automobile accident last week on the Nigerian expressway between Kaduna and Zaria en route to Abuja.

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist lost his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida in the car crash, alongside his infant son, Fadil, while his wife is in a crucial condition after undergoing facial surgery.

Soccernet.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian Football Federation president, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside his executives visited the former Nigerian winger at a hospital in Abuja.

Tijani played for Ajax between 1996 and 2003, spending the 2001/2002 season on loan with Vitesse. In today’s final Eredivisie matchday, Ajax and Vitesse went head to head.

Since Babaginda played for both teams, it only seemed fitting that players from each side united to send a heartfelt message to their ex-player at the GelreDome stadium, showing he wasn’t alone in his grief.


The banner read “heel veel sterkte” which translates to “all the strength you need”, signifying an emotional gesture from both Dutch sides.

Former coach of the Dutch national team, Loius Van Gaal, also sent a heartfelt message to the 50-year-old, making his condolences known to Tijani after he lost several members of his family in the car crash.

The pair worked together at Ajax for a season before Van Gaal moved on to Spain to coach a star-studded Barcelona team. Tijani once described the former Bayern Munich Manager as the best coach he played under.

 

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Recent Posts

“I wasn’t trying to score” – Iwobi breaks silence on brace following Fulham’s 3-2 loss to West Ham United

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, was left disappointed despite scoring a… Read More

3 hours ago

Copa del Rey: What Valencia boss said after Sadiq Umar’s performance vs Ourense

Valencia head coach, Carlos Corberan, praised Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar after the Nigerian found… Read More

3 hours ago

Official: Spanish side Osasuna sign young Nigerian striker from Eldense

Spanish club CA Osasuna have signed young Nigerian striker Sixtus Ogbuehi on loan until the… Read More

4 hours ago

Eric Chelle appointment: We’ve failed if we don’t qualify for the World Cup – ex-Super Eagles star

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Sylvanus Okpala, has expressed his concerns following the appointment of Eric… Read More

5 hours ago

“My skin colour hasn’t made things easier” – Freiburg’s Atubolu reveals Bundesliga racist attacks

SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has candidly addressed the racism he has faced in the… Read More

7 hours ago

“Back to business”- Stanley Nwabali returns to Chippa United after tragic loss

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has returned to Chippa United to resume action, 14 days… Read More

8 hours ago