Dutch Football Community Rallies Around Babaginda in Emotional Thanksgiving Ceremony
by The Ajasa News | September 4, 2025 9:39 pm
By Martin Odiete, Abuja
Former Nigeria international, Tijani Babaginda, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Dutch people for the support he received after a tragic accident that claimed the life of his brother, Ibrahim Babaginda, and his son. Babaginda, who was also injured in the accident, praised the Dutch football community for coming together to provide him and his wife with medical treatment and support.
TJ as he is fondly referred to by his admirals stated this when he played host to the Dutch football community in a ceremony that took place at the Roda JC Stad Park stadium in kerkerade on Wednesday.
In a heartfelt speech, Babaginda recounted how the Dutch people, including football stakeholders, sponsors, and journalists, rallied around him and his family, providing them with accommodation, medical care, and emotional support. He was particularly impressed by the efficiency and organization of the support system, which allowed him and his wife to receive the best possible care.
Babaginda noted that the experience had taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of unity and support in the football community. He contrasted the response of the Dutch football community with what he would have expected in Nigeria, where he felt that individual interests often take precedence over collective support.
The former international player expressed his gratitude to the Dutch people and emphasized the importance of learning from their example. He believes that the football community in Nigeria could benefit from adopting a similar approach, where stakeholders come together to support each other in times of need.
Babaginda while thanking the Dutch people for their support was visibly moved by the outpouring of love and care he received. His story serves as a testament to the power of community and the impact that collective support can have on individuals in need.
The ceremony was attended by numerous notable figures from the Netherlands football scene, including former teammates, coaches and managers. Some of the notable attendees were Legendary Players like Marco Van Basten, a renowned Dutch footballer and coach. Danny Blind, a skilled defender who earned 108 caps for the Netherlands, Ronald De Boer, a talented midfielder who played for Ajax and the Netherlands national team.
Others were Boudewijn Zenden, a skilled midfielder who played for several top clubs, including Barcelona and Chelsea. The role calls also included Hans van Breukelen ,a former Dutch goalkeeper who played for clubs like PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan, Kiki Musampa, a former Dutch footballer who played for Ajax and other top clubs, Sjaak Swart, a legendary Dutch footballer who played for Ajax and the Netherlands national team and several other Dutch football greats. Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Olise was also among the dignitaries.
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