Ajax have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support their former winger Tijani Babangida.
Babangida and his family were involved in a ghastly car accident in May.
The accident occured along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.
The 51-year-old lost his son, Fadil and brother, Ibrahim during the accident.
His wife suffered significant injuries, including the loss of an eye and requiring face reconstruction surgery. The maid also fractured a leg in the incident.
In a documentary accompanying the announcement, Ajax described the profound impact of the tragedy.
“Six months ago, Tijani Babangida’s world collapsed. In a serious car accident, he lost his one-and-a-half-year-old son and his younger brother, while his wife was seriously injured.”
Babangida also commented on the horrific incident.
“I think I will live with this trauma for the rest of my life. It is hard to forget about it and move on when you suddenly lose your entire family,” Babangida said.
“This is my first time talking about the accident because I couldn’t do it. I can’t bear looking at photos and videos of my son.
“It is even harder for my wife. She is an actress in Nigeria, famous in the northern part of the country. After being married a year, we had a baby. And suddenly, he was gone.
“And my brother, who always joined me when I travelled. For me, I only injured my legs and knees. I had to assist my wife. That’s why I came here with my wife to get proper medical treatment.
“After three months in the Netherlands, I was finally able to tell her that our child was in the car when the accident took place. She can’t remember anything about him.”
17 Comments
Take heart big bros
Tijjani Babangida’s story is one that pierces the heart and leaves an ache only those who’ve faced the shadow of loss can fully understand. Losing a child is a pain that defies description, a grief that takes root in the soul and lingers like a silent companion. His words about the tragedy are heavy with anguish, and I can only imagine the depth of his sorrow as he navigates a world forever changed.
In 2021, I faced a similar nightmare. My only son, barely weeks away from his first birthday, was taken from me by the cold hand sepsis. The joy of his laughter, the innocence in his eyes—all the dreams I had for him vanished in an instant. There is no preparation for such pain. It grips you, hollowing out a part of your heart that you didn’t know could break so completely. For months, I lived in a haze of sadness, haunted by memories and the cruel “what-ifs” that refused to leave my mind. Oh God, I feel extremely emotional typing this.
The mental toll is immense. The sense of loss is like an ocean, and you’re a small boat caught in its storm. PTSD creeps in quietly. A sound, a picture, even the most innocent of triggers can send you spiraling. For me, anniversaries and milestones are the hardest. But through it all, I’ve learned to lean on faith, to find moments of solace in prayer, and to cherish the time I was blessed to have with him, however brief. Healing is not linear, and some days are harder than others. Yet I’ve come to realize that carrying their memory is a way to honor them, even amidst the pain.
Tijjani, your resilience in the face of this tragedy is remarkable. To speak of your loss and to face the world with such courage is a testament to your strength. The path ahead is not easy, and no words can fully soothe the ache of your loss. But I want to remind you that even in the darkness, you are not alone. Those who love you, those who have been moved by your story, and even strangers who feel your pain stand with you.
I pray for fortitude for you and your wife as you walk this difficult road. May the memory of your son Fadil and your brother Ibrahim live on as a source of light in the shadows of grief. May your wife find healing—not just in body, but in spirit—and may you both discover moments of peace amidst the turmoil. Lean into your faith, for in it lies a source of unshakable comfort. I ALSO PRAY FOR ANYONE READING THIS PIECE: SUCH WILL NEVER YOUR PORTION BY THE SPECIAL GRACE OF GOD. It’s such a difficult trauma to deal with, to be honest.
You’re in our prayers, Tijjani. Your story reminds us all of the fragility of life and the power of love, even in the face of unthinkable loss. May time and grace bring you the strength to carry forward, one day at a time.
Wow Papafem, reading your story had tears in my eyes. So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray the lord grant you the fortitude to bear the loss and continue to grant you the strength to wax stronger.
Yes, tijani’s story is one that i sit down and reflect about life. Wonder if i could hold up if such tragedy befell me. Wish there was such powers to wake the dead, would not hesitate to use. I continue to pray that God continue to strengthen you bro.
@Papafem, so sorry for your loss.
@Bomgirl abi watin
how market for busybody street na? yuh see anyting market? well nor be youre fualt, at lest yuh har not aknalo ede
Charles Nwantiwa is better than Yabastard.
@Bomgirl abi watin
how market for busybody street na? yuh see anyting market? well nor be youre fualt, at lest yuh har not aknalo ede
@Bomgirl abi watin
how market for busybody street na? yuh see anyting market? well nor be youre fualt, at lest yuh har not aknalo ede
Mr Tijani and @Papafem, I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray God comfort and heal you all.
Wow Papafem, reading your story had tears in my eyes. So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray the lord grant you the fortitude to bear the loss and continue to grant you the strength to wax stronger.
Yes, tijani’s story is one that i sit down and reflect about life. Wonder if i could hold up if such tragedy befell me. Wish there was such powers to wake the dead, would not hesitate to use. I continue to pray that God continue to strengthen you bro.
@Papafem I am sorry for your loss, fatal accident is not what one prays for, the trauma and fear that follows are unimaginable, and those who have not experienced it will not understand. I pray God gives you the strength to move on. As for our legend Babangida, may God put smile in hus face again and strenghten him to over the pains if the past.
Tijani, So sorry for your loss and the same to Papafem – I pray for solace and strength and comfort and hope to all who have suffered such great loss – it is a monumental experience indeed.
Babangida is blessed.
@Charles Nwantiwa
No, you are yes right left. Babangida is so blessed.
@Charles Nwantiwa
No, you are yes right left. Babangida is so blessed.
Arara Kumbie, yes you are right. No need to look left. Babangida is so blessed. Yaba is your home.
Your post saddened me greatly, Papafem.
May God Almighty grant you and Tijani the fortitude to bear your enormous losses. Stay strong brother!