Nigerians have been sending messages of appreciation to Dutch clubs Ajax, VVV Venlo and Roda JC Kerkrade leading the rally to raise at least €170,000 (N272,109,812.23) for their former player Tijani Babangida.
The ex-Nigeria international is in the Netherlands with his wife for treatment after being involved in a car accident in May along the Kaduna–Zaria Road.
Babangida lost his one-year-old son Fadil, his younger brother Ibrahim while his wife and their maid had varying degrees of injuries in the accident.
After initial treatments at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and another hospital in Abuja, Babangida and his wife are now in the Netherlands, thanks to the efforts of his former teammates.
In a publication titled ‘Tijjani Babangida’s suffering: “He laughs from the outside, but crying from the Inside”’, it was revealed that his wife recently underwent the first major surgery on her face with at least three or four heavy interventions to follow while Babangida is also working on his rehabilitation after having surgery on his knee.
“There are financial challenges. The total picture to cover the treatment and all other costs is at least 170,000 Euros. A large sum that Baba can’t afford. Due to wrong investments and failed projects in his home country of Nigeria, he has lost all his money,” the article further stated.
The 1996 Olympic gold medallist was full of appreciation for 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.
“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 When I came here, my driver’s license was no longer valid.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 centre Adelante. My wife’s arm is paralysed, she can’t use it anymore. Rehabilitation will be months.”
Babangida was contracted to Ajax for seven years. He won an Eredivisie title in 1998 and two Dutch Cup trophies, scoring 20 goals in 77 appearances for the club. Before then, he played at Roda JC from 1991 to 1996 and was on loan at VVV Venlo from 1991 to 1993.
See below how Nigerians are thanking the Dutch clubs on X:
Habdulakeem Badmus wrote: “Remarkable show of unity and support from @VVVVenlo, @RodaJCKerkrade and @AFCAjax in standing behind former Nigerian player Tijani Babangida. This act highlights the deep bonds football creates beyond the pitch. Thank you for setting such a beautiful example of solidarity!”
Aji Bussu Onye Mpiawa azu commented, “Tijani Babangida’s accident happened in Nigeria, yet the Netherlands has stepped up to provide him with the critical support he needs, simply because he once played for Ajax and holds their passport.”
Calvin Emeka Onwuka wrote, “Last Repost. Tijani Babangida’s former clubs in the Netherlands have come in strong for the man and his family in this difficult time. When he played for these clubs they paid his salaries. Ajax with a 14min feature for him on their digital platforms. Thank you, @AFCAjax.”
Monday Lee said, “Ajax and Nigeria Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida didn’t get any support from Nigeria and the NFF after his accident but got support from Ajax in the Netherlands. As usual, Nigeria neglected its own. It’s really sad and shameful. Thank you, Ajax!”
Chxta wrote, “Tijani Babangida’s accident was in #Nigeria, but it was #Holland that stepped up for him simply because he played for @AFCAjax and has their passport.
“You can’t expect patriotism if people see how you treat even your prominent citizens once you think they’re no longer useful.”
Sports journalist Oma Akatugba wrote, “Thank you very much @AFCAjax for your support for Tijani Babangida. You thought us how to appreciate our own.”
