Sports

Tijani Babangida Celebrates 51st Birthday, Expresses Gratitude to Nigerians

Published

6 months ago

September 25, 2024

Former Nigerian international, Tijani Babangida, marked his 51st birthday on September 25, 2024, with heartfelt appreciation for God’s goodness in his life. Babangida, who survived a devastating car accident that claimed the lives of his brother Ibrahim and son Fadir, acknowledged the significance of this milestone.

“This birthday is about thanking God for sparing my life,” Babangida said from the Netherlands, where he and his wife are undergoing final rounds of treatment. “I’m grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from Nigerians during this challenging period.”

Babangida reserved special thanks for individuals and organizations that contributed to his and his wife’s treatment:

“I appreciate the Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani; the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau; my former clubs, Ajax Amsterdam and VVV-Venlo; and numerous well-wishers who have stood by me. Your kindness and generosity have been overwhelming.”

“I want to also single out Alhaji Sadiq Mamma Lagos, commissioner for the Ministry for local government chieftancy affairs. He has been a brother indeed to me.

“I want to also express my deepest gratitude to the president of the Nigeria football federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for all his shows of love and care. Not also forgetting my friend, Alhaji Shehu Dikko.

“Let me also express my heartfelt thanks to my friend Engr. Mike Auta for all his support. He is a friend indeed.

“I also do not want to forget members of the players Union, retired and current players. They were very supportive to me and I really appreciate them all.

“I know that there are lots and lots of people who contributed in several ways towards making me recuperate from the accident but there is no way I can mention all their names. They should have it at the back of their heart that I am highly grateful for,” TJ stated.

As he celebrates, Babangida emphasized his focus on spirituality and gratitude:

“This birthday is not about grand celebrations but about appreciating God and those who have been instrumental in my recovery. I’m humbled by the love and support.”

Babangida’s testament to resilience and faith serves as an inspiration to many.

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Sports

Cricket: Nigeria To Host ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier

Published

20 hours ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Cricket Federation , NCF, says it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council ,ICC, Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.

The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals in Tafawa Balewa Square ,TBS, and the University of Lagos ,UniLag, from March 26 to April 6.

Uyi Akpata, President of the Federation, said in a statement on Sunday, that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent.

“Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential, and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.

“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players”, Akpata noted.

However, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020

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