Ajax launches crowdfunding initiative for Babangida

Dutch Eredivisie giant Ajax has launched a crowdfunding initiative to support Nigerian ex-player Tijani Babangida, who was involved in a car accident that claimed the lives of his son and brother.

The heartfelt support was launched during the match against Almere City FC after the Super Eagles winger was invited as a guest of honour for the Eredivisie clash, with former manager Louis van Gaal in attendance.

Fighting back tears, Babangida watched the game from the Royal Box in the Johan Cruijff ArenA alongside his former manager, Louis van Gaal, amid cheers from Ajax supporters who arrived just before kickoff to catch a glimpse of their former player.

A video referencing the crowdfunding initiative for Babangida, Support Baba, was shown on the stadium’s big screens.

Fondly referred to as ‘Baba’ by the fans in his playing days, Babangida and Van Gaal were presented with a piece of art created by Barry Pirovano to immortalise a legendary moment in Ajax’s history. The presentation was made by Ajax’s general director, Menno Geelen.

The artwork reflected a moment of Babangida’s celebration after scoring a goal during the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in March 1997. The 50-year-old winger sealed the 2-3 victory in Spain with a brilliant chip. The diminutive winger leaped into the arms of his manager, Van Gaal.

Applause rippled through the stadium as the former Ajax winger appeared on the screen. The 50,000-strong crowd in the Johan Cruijff ArenA fell silent as they listened to the story of ‘Baba.’

The accident, which occurred on May 9 along the Kaduna–Zaria Road, left Babangida’s wife and his maid injured, while Babangida sustained injuries to his knees and legs. His younger brother, Ibrahim, was buried the