Former Nigerian footballer Ibrahim Babangida, a member of the victorious 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup team, tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday. The incident also left his brother and ex-Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida, his wife, son, and maid hospitalized.
According to PUNCH, Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria and an Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist, broke the news of Ibrahim's death. He confirmed that the deceased would be laid to rest in Kaduna after Friday's Jumat prayers.
Garba Lawal, another Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist and former teammate of the Babangida brothers, expressed his grief and offered prayers for the quick recovery of the remaining family members in the hospital. He reminisced about their time playing together at the club and national team levels.
Other ex-internationals, including Ike Shorunmu, Victor Agali, Edema Fuludu, and Jonathan Akpoborie, were shocked by the news and immediately reached out to Tijani Babangida to offer their condolences and support.
The president of the PFAN Task Force, Harrison Jalla, described Ibrahim as a unique player from a special family, with his brothers Tijani and Haruna also being footballers. He expressed his sadness and promised continued prayers for the family.
Ibrahim Babangida, who was 47 years old, had a successful domestic career playing for Bank of The North, Stationery Stores, and Katsina United before joining Dutch side Volendam in 1997. His former teammate from the 1993 U-17 World Cup, Festus Odini, fondly remembered him as a very good friend.
The football community in Nigeria and beyond mourns the loss of a talented player and a beloved member of the fraternity. As they bid farewell to Ibrahim Babangida, they also pray for the recovery of his family members and the eternal rest of his soul.