The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Thursday, led a delegation to visit former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida, in Abuja. The visit comes after Babangida was involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the lives of his son and younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida, a former international who played for Nigeria at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning team.
Babangida, a 50-year-old former Ajax FC star, broke his right leg in the accident and was hospitalized. His wife was also seriously injured in the crash. Obi’s visit was to commiserate with the former footballer and offer support during his recovery. The former Anambra State governor was quoted as saying, “They made the nation proud and made us happy with their talents. In times like this, they deserve our sympathy and attention.”
Tijani Babangida, who is also the President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, narrated the harrowing experience of the accident to Obi during the visit.
He also appreciated the gesture, stating that he has been receiving financial aid and support from his former colleagues and Ajax football club. The visit was seen as a kind gesture to encourage the ex-player, with Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist and the General Secretary of the PFAN, Emmanuel Babayaro, thanking Obi for his support.
