Netherlands – Three Dutch football clubs – Ajax, VVV Venlo, and Roda JC Kerkrade – have joined forces to raise €170,000 (approximately N272 million) to support former Nigerian international Tijani Babangida and his wife, who are undergoing medical treatment in the Netherlands following a tragic accident earlier this year.
The accident, which occurred in May along the Kaduna-Zaria Road in Nigeria, claimed the lives of Babangida’s one-year-old son, Fadil, and his younger brother, Ibrahim. Babangida, his wife, and their maid sustained severe injuries. After initial treatment at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and a hospital in Abuja, the couple traveled to the Netherlands for further medical care with the assistance of Babangida’s former teammates.
Babangida’s wife recently underwent her first major facial surgery, with at least three more complex operations planned. She also faces months of rehabilitation due to a paralyzed arm. Babangida, who had knee surgery, is also working on his recovery.
A publication titled “Tijjani Babangida’s suffering: ‘He laughs from the outside, but crying from the inside’” revealed the financial challenges facing the family. The total cost of their treatments and associated expenses is estimated at €170,000, a sum beyond Babangida’s financial means due to failed investments and unsuccessful projects in Nigeria.
Babangida expressed deep gratitude for the support from his former clubs and teammates. “Fortunately, Ajax, VVV, and Roda have all offered to help me. They have joined forces so that not only a few people, but everyone can help through crowdfunding. This is to pay my wife’s medical expenses. I think that’s very beautiful, I don’t know how to thank them,” he said.
He added, “These guys did everything for me. When I came here, my driver’s license was no longer valid. They took me everywhere – not only to the hospital but also to the rehabilitation center Adelante. My wife’s arm is paralyzed, and rehabilitation will take months.”
Tijani Babangida’s playing career
Babangida played for Ajax from 1996 to 2003, winning the Eredivisie title in 1998 and two Dutch Cups, scoring 20 goals in 77 appearances. Before his time at Ajax, he represented Roda JC from 1991 to 1996 and was loaned to VVV Venlo from 1991 to 1993.
The 1996 Olympic gold medalist’s plight has prompted a heartwarming response from the football community, with crowdfunding efforts underway to alleviate his family’s financial burden.
For those interested in contributing to Babangida’s recovery, the crowdfunding initiative represents a chance to rally behind the football legend in his time of need.
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