Former Nigerian International Babangida dies in tragic motor accident

Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida and his family were reportedly involved in a tragic motor accident on the Kaduna-Zaria highway, resulting in the loss of his brother, as reported by Soccernet.ng. 

According to reports, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist was involved in a car accident on Thursday that claimed the life of his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida.

Former teammate Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, announced the incident which tragically claimed the life of the former Stationary Store FC midfielder in a statement.

The statement reads as quoted by Punch: “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.”

Meanwhile, further reports circulating in the Nigerian media reveal that the former Nigerian international, who represented Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in 1993, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the fatal accident.

No public statement has been made by the Nigeria Football Federation to confirm these reports, but if they are true, it would be a heartbreaking loss for football fans in the Nigerian football community.

Babangida was known for his quick feet, and his football journey spanned five countries across three continents. Notably, he spent a significant portion of his career in the Netherlands, representing VVV-Venlo, Roda JC, Ajax, and Vitesse over nine years at the club level.

His brother, meanwhile, primarily played in Nigeria for Bank of the North, Stationary Store FC, and Katsina United as a midfielder before moving to play for Volendam in the Netherlands from 1997 to 2002, scoring 7 goals in 51 appearances for the Dutch club.