Former Nigerian footballers are grieving the loss of 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup champion, Ibrahim Babangida, whose demise occurred in a tragic car accident.
He is scheduled to be laid to rest in Kaduna today. While his brother, Tijani Babangida, an ex-Super Eagles winger, his wife, son, and maid are currently hospitalized.
Emmanuel Babayaro, Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist and General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, disclosed the unfortunate news of Babangida’s passing, stating, “Ibrahim Babangida died in the accident along the Kaduna-Zaria road.”
Confirming the burial arrangements, Babayaro mentioned, “As a Muslim, he will be buried according to Islamic rights tomorrow (today) after the Jumat prayer.”
Expressing their sorrow and offering prayers for the recovery of the Babangida family members, Garba Lawal, another Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist, reminisced, “Ibrahim Babangida and his brother Tijani Babangida are like my brothers.”
Former national team members, including Ike Shorunmu, Victor Agali, Edema Fuludu, and Jonathan Akpoborie, received the distressing news with shock. Akpoborie, upon hearing the news, remarked, “This is so sad, I have to call TJ (Tijani Babangida) immediately.”
Harrison Jalla, president of PFAN Task Force, reflected on the loss, stating, “The death of Ibrahim is very sad indeed. We shall continue to put them in our prayers.”
The passing of Ibrahim Babangida, who died at the age of 47, not only deeply impacted his former teammates but also the football community at large, leaving behind a legacy of sporting excellence and camaraderie.