Former Nigerian football stars are grieving the loss of Ibrahim Babangida, a key member of the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning team, who tragically passed away in a car accident.
The incident also left his brother and former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida, hospitalized alongside his wife, son, and maid.
Emmanuel Babayaro, Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist and General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, confirmed Babangida’s demise, stating that he will be laid to rest in Kaduna following Jumat prayers.
Garba Lawal, another Olympic gold medalist and former teammate, expressed his deep sorrow and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the Babangida family members still in hospital.
The news has shocked the football community, with ex-internationals such as Ike Shorunmu, Victor Agali, Edema Fuludu, and Jonathan Akpoborie expressing their condolences and solidarity with the Babangida family.
Ibrahim Babangida, aged 47, had a distinguished career playing for local clubs like Bank of The North, Stationery Stores, and Katsina United before joining Dutch side Volendam in 1997. His untimely demise has left a void in Nigerian football, as colleagues and fans alike mourn his passing.
