Tijani Babangida, known for his quick feet and a football journey spanning five countries across three continents, recently received an emotional condolence message from Vitesse and AFC Ajax players after a tragic accident involving his family, Sportblog247.com reports.

The former Super Eagles winger was involved in an automobile accident last week on the Nigerian expressway between Kaduna and Zaria while traveling to Abuja.

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist tragically lost his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida, and his infant son, Fadil, in the car crash. His wife is in critical condition after undergoing facial surgery.

The Nigerian Football Federation president, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and his executives visited Babangida in a hospital in Abuja.

Babaginda played for Ajax between 1996 and 2003, spending the 2001/2002 season on loan with Vitesse. During the final Eredivisie matchday, Ajax and Vitesse, two of his former teams, faced each other.

In a touching gesture, players from both teams united to send a heartfelt message to Babangida at the GelreDome stadium, showing their support during his time of grief. The banner read “heel veel sterkte,” which translates to “all the strength you need.”

Former coach of the Dutch national team, Louis Van Gaal, also sent a heartfelt message to the 50-year-old, expressing his condolences after Babangida’s loss. The pair worked together at Ajax for a season before Van Gaal moved on to coach Barcelona. Babangida has described Van Gaal as the best coach he ever played under.