Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, along with NFF Executive Committee member Timothy Heman Magaji and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, conveyed their condolences to former Nigerian international forward and President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, Tijani Babangida, Soccernet.ng reports.
The visit followed a devastating car accident along the Kaduna – Zaria Road, which claimed the life of Tijani’s younger brother, Ibrahim, a member of the 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets.
Adding to the tragedy, Tijani’s infant son, Fadil, tragically passed away during surgery on Friday night, while his wife, Maryam, is currently recovering from facial surgery.
The delegation, comprising NFF Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen, NPFL Board Member Mr. Jude Anyadufu, former Nigeria international goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro, and other notable football figures, visited Tijani Babangida at a hospital in Abuja, where he had been transferred from ABUTH.
They extended their sympathies to the former World Cup star and prayed for the swift recovery of both Tijani and his wife, who remains under intensive care at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
Meanwhile, the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, also expressed heartfelt condolences on his X (formerly Twitter page).
“My deepest condolences to my friend and brother, Tijani Babangida, on his very painful loss.
“I offer my prayers of comfort and strength during this challenging time of mourning. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he wrote.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic medalist remains under intensive care, and wishes for a speedy recovery accompany him during this difficult time.