Former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars defender, Ajibade Babalade, dies of cardiac arrest in Ibadan, according to a report. The 48-year-old retired footballer passed away on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, according to information coming from close friends, family, and associate.
Babalade was part of Nigeria’s national team that won the bronze medals at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. During his active days, he played for Stationery Stores, Heartland FC, and Shooting Stars FC, before he moves to abroad.
Before his demise, Ajibade Babalade was the team manager of Nigeria National League outfit Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
“I can confirm to you that he died from cardiac arrest around 11 am today,” the source said.
“He was the one that drove himself to the hospital yesterday that he was not feeling too good.
“On getting to the hospital, after taking his vitals, the doctor told him he had to be admitted because of his blood pressure, which was high. And it was what the medical personnel in the hospital was trying to work on.
“Until this morning, when the boy that stayed with him in the hospital saw the way he was breathing, he had to call his elder brother who rushed down to the hospital to see for himself.
“It was the elder brother that now called for his immediate discharge and referral to UCH. It was at the entrance to UCH that he breathes his last.
“I feel so pained that my friend is gone. I am heartbroken and devastated. Just yesterday here, he still posted his first son’s picture on his Facebook to wish him a happy birthday.
“May his soul Rest In Peace.”
He is survived by a wife and three kids who live in the USA.
We are sad to announce the shock demise of former @NGSuperEagles defender Ajibade Babalade. Babalade died of cardiac arrest today in Ibadan. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Our prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/1xCofWcZvp
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) September 4, 2020
His former club, Stationery Stores also took to social media to pay tribute to him.
Everyone at the club is sad to hear about the passing our ex-player Ajibade Babalade.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sún ré o pic.twitter.com/UPFiplQHC1
— Stationery Stores Fc (@ssfcnigeria) September 4, 2020