Former Super Eagles coach, Jo Bonfrere, and ex-Ajax and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, led a fundraising event aimed at supporting the surgery of Maryam Babangida, wife of former Nigeria international Tijani Babangida and a known Kannywood actress.
According to Complete Sports, the fundraising ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, according to Bonfrere.
Accident Details and Family Tragedy
Tijani Babangida, a 1996 Olympic gold medallist and former winger for both Ajax and the Super Eagles, was involved in a devastating auto crash on April 10, 2024.
The accident, which occurred along the Zaria–Kaduna expressway, involved Babangida, his wife Maryam, his brother Ibrahim, his son, a maid and his nephew Fadil.
Sadly, Ibrahim Babangida lost his life, while Maryam sustained critical injuries that now require advanced surgery in the Netherlands.
Bonfrere, Van Gaal Rally Support for Babangida
On Tuesday, Bonfrere and Van Gaal appeared as Special Guests at the Amsterdam fundraiser, standing in solidarity with the former winger as efforts intensify to raise the required medical funds.
Bonfrere, on Friday, November 21, 2025, released a photograph of himself with Van Gaal and Tijani Babangida taken during the event.
“The crowd-funding ceremony was held at the Ajax Stadium Arena,” Bonfrere confirmed when contacted on Friday from his home in the Netherlands.
“Van Gaal and myself were there as Special Guests to crowd-fund for Tijani Babangida’s wife’s surgery,” he added.
Babangida’s Ajax Legacy Under Van Gaal
Babangida enjoyed his most successful club years under Louis van Gaal between 1991 and 1996. During this period, Ajax captured eight major trophies, including three Eredivisie titles (1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96), the Dutch Cup (1992–93), and three Johan Cruyff Shields (1993, 1994, 1995).
Additionally, Van Gaal guided the Dutch giants to European glory, winning the UEFA Champions League in the 1994–95 season and the UEFA Cup in 1991–92.
Funding Target for Maryam’s Surgery
The cost of Maryam’s surgery is estimated at around €170,000 (approximately ₦272 million), which will cover treatment at a medical facility in the Netherlands.
Dutch Clubs Take the Lead
Ajax, alongside VVV-Venlo and Roda JC — all former clubs of Babangida — are spearheading the drive to secure the funds needed for Maryam’s treatment and recovery following the tragic 2024 crash.
So far, ₦39 million has reportedly been raised through GoFundMe, while Ajax has pledged to cover the outstanding balance to ensure the surgery proceeds without delay.
