Former Super Eagles star Tijani Babangida has spoken for the first time about the devastating accident that took the lives of his one-year-old son, Fadil, and younger brother, Ibrahim.
The tragedy occurred on May 9, 2024, along the Kaduna–Zaria Road.
The crash left Babangida’s wife and maid injured, while the ex-footballer sustained injuries to his knees and legs.
The pain of the loss, Babangida says, is something he will carry for the rest of his life.
“This is a nightmare,” he said in a 14-minute video documentary shared on Ajax FC’s website on December 12, 2024.
“It is hard to forget about it and move on when you suddenly lose your entire family,” he said.
The video marked Babangida’s first public comments on the tragedy.
Babangida described the accident as an event that shattered his world in an instant.
Ibrahim, his brother, was buried the day after the accident, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Ibrahim was also a former footballer, having represented Nigeria at the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where the team emerged victorious.
“Ibrahim always traveled with me,” Babangida said.
The loss of his son, Fadil, has been equally devastating.
Fadil was just a year old when the accident claimed his life.
“It is even harder for my wife,” Babangida said.
He revealed that his wife, a well-known actress in northern Nigeria, has struggled to cope with the loss.
“After being married for a year, we had a baby. And suddenly, he was gone,” Babangida said.
The grief has been compounded by his wife’s inability to remember their son due to the trauma.
“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,” Babangida said.
“She started asking about his name. She can’t remember anything about him,” he added.
Babangida praised his wife’s resilience, calling her “so strong” for surviving the ordeal.
He also explained why it was necessary to take her abroad for treatment.
“That’s why I came here with my wife to get proper medical treatment,” he said.
The documentary includes footage of Babangida meeting with his former Ajax coach, Louis Van Gaal.
The emotional reunion highlights the deep connections he still holds with the football community.
Babangida’s story has drawn sympathy from fans and colleagues around the world.
The tragedy has also shed light on the dangers of Nigeria’s roads, which have been plagued by accidents in recent years.
For Babangida, the road to recovery is long and filled with painful memories.
He admits that seeing photos and videos of his late son is still unbearable.
“I can’t bear looking at photos and videos of my son,” he said.
The accident has left a permanent scar on his heart, but he remains committed to supporting his wife through the healing process.
The documentary has sparked conversations about loss, grief, and the resilience needed to move forward after such tragedies.
Babangida’s openness about his pain has resonated with many, offering a poignant reminder of life’s fragility.
