)
Nigerian football legend Tijani Babangida speaks out after the tragic accident involving his family.
Nigerian football legend Tijani Babangida has bravely opened up about the devastating car accident that claimed the lives of his brother and young son.
In an emotional video interview shared by his former club Ajax, the former Super Eagles winger shared the heartbreaking details for the first time.
)
13:26 - 13.12.2024
Ademola Lookman: 3 key reasons why Liverpool should buy Super Eagles star to replace Salah
Ademola Lookman is primed for his next big move and it could be as a replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool
)
12:50 - 13.12.2024
'What's Onana doing there' - Nigerians blast CAF for snubbing Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali
Nwabali excelled at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, keeping four clean sheets and saving two penalties during the semi-final shootout against South Africa.
Babangida revealed that the accident was a "nightmare" he would have to live with for the rest of his life.
“I’ll have to live with the trauma for the rest of my life. It’s hard to move on when you suddenly lose your entire family,” he said in the video posted on X.com.
)
He and his wife were left with serious injuries, and the loss of their son Fadeel was particularly devastating.
Tragically, Babangida's wife Maryam, a famous actress in Nigeria, suffered from memory loss and was not told about their son's death for three months as she recovered in the Netherlands.
)
“After three months in the Netherlands, I was finally able to tell her that our child was in the car,” he stated further.
The 51-year-old has been receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation support from his former clubs, Roda JC and Ajax.
)
His ex-teammates have also rallied around him during this incredibly difficult time. Babangida expressed his deep gratitude for the care and assistance he and his family have received from the Dutch football community.
Through his tears, Babangida said the accident has left an unimaginable trauma that will stay with him forever. But his main focus now is simply to "enjoy a stress-free life" and find some peace after the unthinkable loss of his child and brother.
)
“I want to enjoy a stress-free life. I simply want to live a peaceful life,” he added.
The Nigerian icon is determined to move forward, while supporting his wife, as they rebuild their lives as best they can in the most quiet place in the Netherlands.
)
This tragic story is a somber reminder of the fragility of life. But Babangida's courage in speaking out offers hope that with time, care and community, he and his family can begin to heal from this unfathomable heartbreak.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)