PFAN President Tijani Babangida Appeals for Unity Among Nigerian Players’ Union, Expresses Gratitude to Roda JC Alumni

Maryam Aminu

Former Super Eagles winger and current President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Tijani Babangida, has called on former footballers in Nigeria to set aside their differences and unite.

Babangida emphasized that only through collective effort can they achieve their goals and aspirations.

His appeal came in the wake of a personal tragedy. The PFAN President was recently involved in a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of his younger brother, Ibrahim, and his son, Fadeel. His wife, who was also injured in the accident, is currently recovering in an European hospital, thanks to the efforts of former players from Roda JC, a Dutch football club where Babangida once played.

In a gesture of solidarity, these former Roda JC players not only facilitated his wife’s treatment but also hosted a “Get Well” dinner for Babangida.

During the dinner, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting him and his family until they fully recover.

Babangida, who is affectionately known as “TJ” by his admirers, praised the unity among the former Roda JC players, stating that such solidarity is what should be expected from players’ unions.

“This is what players must do; players must be there for each other during and after football because they have become one family,” Babangida said, reflecting on the supportive spirit he experienced.

He further expressed his hope to see a similar spirit of generosity and support among Nigerian footballers, both current and former.

“We cannot wait for outsiders to support and assist us all the time. We must put programs in place to support ourselves, just as it is done in Europe and other advanced countries. Each generation of players must watch out for themselves and establish programs they can rely on.”

Babangida also warned against infighting within the players’ union, stating, “We will gain nothing by fighting ourselves; we can only gain if we come together to support each other. This is my prayer, and this is what I will pursue when I return to Nigeria.”

Babangida further expressed deep gratitude to the former players of Roda JC, saying, “Words are not enough to express how grateful I am. I am seriously overwhelmed and grateful.”

Babangida’s call for unity comes at a crucial time, as the PFAN seeks to strengthen its ranks and better serve the needs of Nigerian footballers both on and off the pitch.