Former Super Eagles defender and one-time player of both Stationery Stores and Shooting Stars Ajibade Babalade has died of cardiac arrest in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Babalade, 48, died while being taken to the University College Hospital (UCH) on Friday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death on Twitter.
“We are sad to announce the shock demise of former @NGSuperEagles defender Ajibade Babalade. Babalade died of cardiac arrest today in Ibadan. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Our prayers are with his family,” the tweet read.
Ajibade featured for the Super Eagles in their third-placing Senegal ’92 outing. He also propelled the Shooting Stars to the last final edition of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1996 which the following year changed to CAF Champions League.
His former teammate in the Super Eagles and also at Stationery Stores Ike Shorunmu told PUNCH that Ajibade was denied treatment by a private hospital he was taken to before he was referred to UCH.
“The first hospital he was rushed to in Ibadan, he was rejected by the doctors and referred to the University College Hospital. But on his arrival at the UCH premises, he gave up the ghost at the gate. May his soul rest in peace,” Shorunmu said.
He also said he was informed of his friend’s death Friday afternoon after his return from Jumat service.
Ajibade who was named team manager of Shooting Stars in 2008 is survived by a wife and three children based in the United States.
