Crash Update: Tijjani Babangida’s One-Year-Old Son Dies as Wife ‘Loses eye’

Former Super Eagles star Tijjani Babangida has been struck by tragedy as he mourns the loss of both his one-year-old son and his brother, Ibrahim, in a devastating car crash on the Kaduna-Zaria highway.

The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw Babangida, accompanied by his wife Maryam, their infant son Fadil, his brother Ibrahim, and their maid, involved in a fatal collision.

Ibrahim tragically lost his life at the scene of the accident, while the other passengers were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

In a heartbreaking update, Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, confirmed the grievous news that Babangida’s young son succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Moreover, Maryam, Babangida’s wife, has reportedly suffered severe injuries, including the loss of an eye, and is currently receiving intensive care treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria. The maid accompanying the family has also sustained a leg fracture.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) expressed their condolences to Babangida during a visit to the hospital, where they offered prayers for the swift recovery of both Babangida and his wife, who underwent a successful facial surgery.

Tijjani Babangida, known for his illustrious career with the Super Eagles, including winning the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, is the current president of PFAN. His contributions to Nigerian football, particularly his speed and skill on the wings, have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Babangida’s presence was felt in international tournaments such as the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), solidifying his status as a football icon in Nigeria.