DUTCH clubs, Ajax, VVV Venlo and Roda JC Kerkrade are leading the rally to raise at least €170,000 – about N272,109,812.23 – for their former player and ex-Nigeria international, Tijani Babangida, who is in the Netherlands with his wife for treatment after being involved in a ghastly accident earlier this year.
In May, Babangida and his family were involved in an accident along the Kaduna–Zaria Road, losing his one-year-old son, Fadil, his younger brother, Ibrahim and also leaving him, his wife and their maid with varying degrees of injuries.
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 has recently undergone 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.”
“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 When I came here, my driver’s license was no longer valid.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.
