Former World Cup star cheats death in horrific car smash that claimed the life of his footballer brother
FORMER World Cup star Tijani Babangida has cheated death in a horrific car smash – that claimed the life of his footballer brother.
Ex-Ajax winger Babangida won gold with Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics.
He then played four times for the Super Eagles at the 1998 World Cup finals, scoring against Denmark.
Babangida, 50, won the Eredivisie title and two Dutch FA Cups during seven years at Ajax.
The Kaduna-born star also played for their league rivals Roda JC, VVV Venlo and Vitesse Arnhem as well as clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China.
Capped 36 times, he is now president of the Nigerian players’ union PFAN.
But tragedy struck on Thursday as he was travelling from Kaduna to Zaria in central Nigeria.
His vehicle was in collision with a trailer, and his brother Ibrahim died at the scene.
Babangida, his wife and other family members are reportedly in serious conditions but stable in a Zaria hospital.
Winger Ibrahim, 47, formerly played 51 times for Eredivisie club Volendam.
PFAN general secretary Emmanuel Babayaro announced: “Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our president Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria road.
“Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President and his family were taken to hospital.
“May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida rest in peace with God, amen.
“The accident happened on Thursday afternoon, and [Tijani’s] wife was also involved in it.
“He is currently admitted at Shika hospital in Zaria, where he is receiving treatment. To the glory of God, he is conscious.”