Former Super Eagles player Ibrahim Babangida has reportedly died after a fatal accident along Kaduna road in Nigeria.
It was disclosed on Thursday night, May 9, that the 47-year-old was involved in a car accident alongside his brother Tijani Babangida.
How Ibrahim Babangida died?
The former Super Eagles player’s brother, Tijani, who is the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) was with his wife, son, and maid in the ghastly motor accident that claimed Ibrahim Babaginda’s life.
Former teammate Emmanuel Babayaro who is the General Secretary of PFAN, announced the sad incident of the passing of the former Stationary Store FC midfielder in a statement.
A statement released by Babayaro reads; “Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our president, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria road.”
He added; “Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from 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.”
The statement confirmed the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medallist and President of PFAN, Tijani, and the rest of his family were said to be responding to treatment at Shika Hospital in Zaria.
Babayaro also announced that the deceased was taken to Kaduna on Thursday and will be laid to rest in Kaduna after Jumat prayers on Friday, May 10.
How former Nigerian football players mourned the death of Ibrahim Babaginda
Garba Lawal, a former teammate of both Tijani and Ibrahim Babaginda is still offering prayers for the quick recovery of the remaining family members in the aforementioned hospital.
Lawal said, “Ibrahim Babangida and his brother Tijani Bagabgida are like my brothers. We played at the club and national team levels together for years, especially, Ibrahim, we played together at the same club before he moved to Stationery Stores while I joined Julius Berger.”
“I called some members of their family, no one among their sisters can say anything because of how sad it is. Our prayer is just that God should grant him eternal rest.”
He added; “We are also praying for Tijani’s wife, who is in critical condition, to get well soon and I think Tijani is getting better already because I spoke with him.”
Other ex-Super Eagles players, including former Eagles keeper Ike Shorunmu, Victor Agali, Edema Fuludu, and Jonathan Akpoborie also got the news and were left with few words to reach out to his brother, Tijani.
Akpoborie said; “This is so sad, I have to call TJ (Tijani Babangida immediately).”
Agali also said; “I just got back from training and I am seeing this message from you, I have to reach out to them immediately”.
Harrison Jalla, President of PFAN Task Force said; “The death of Ibrahim is very sad indeed. I spoke to him and I’m also aware his wife, son, and maid are in critical condition.”
“We shall continue to put them in our prayers. Ibrahim is an ex-player from a unique family. His brothers, Tijani and Haruna, are also footballers as many people know.”
The tragedy of the U-17 World Cup winner’s death also left many of his former teammates in awe when they found out from several reports.
Festus Odini said; “Are you sure this is true?”
He added; “Ibrahim was my very good friend from the days of the World Cup in Japan. And he has remained afterward. That is all I can say for now.”
Ibrahim Babangida who died at 47 years old was a retired football player. He was a member of the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eagles squad in Japan.
The former Super Eagles player featured for local sides Bank of The North, Stationery Stores, and Katsina United on the domestic level before joining Dutch club Volendam in 1997.
