Former Super Eagles defender Ajibade Babalade died today in Ibadan , the Oyo State capital , after suffering cardiac arrest .
Babalade , 48 , died while being rushed to the University College Hospital , Ibadan , our correspondent learnt.
He is survived by a wife and three kids , who are all based in the US.
The hard -as – nails retired defender was a squad member of the Eagles that won bronze at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal .
Ex -Eagles goalkeeper and Babalade ’s Senegal ’92 teammate Ike Shorunmu confirmed the death of the Lagos – born ex- footballer.
Shorunmu told newsmen that he was informed of his friend’ s death in the afternoon , after attending Jumat service .
“I went to the mosque for Jumat service this afternoon ( Friday ) , so I switched off my phone . Immediately I put it back on, I got a message from Ajibade ’s in- law that I needed to be at his place . So , I went with my wife, but on our arrival , the ( Babalade ’s) family broke the news to me ,” Shorumnu said.
“I ’m very sad as we speak now. This is someone whom I spoke with two days ago ( on Wednesday ) , when he celebrated his son ’s birthday .
“I was told he had cardiac arrest in the ( Friday ) morning . I had to console his wife and kids , who are based in America , over the demise of their father . He died at the UCH gate . ”
Babalade began his professional club career at Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1990 , before several stints at 3 SC, helping the Oluyole Warriors reach the final of the CAF Champions League in 1996.
He played professionally abroad at Ivoirian side , African Sports , Anyang LG Cheetahs ( Korea ) , SK Sturm Graz ( Austria ) and Indian club Mohun Bagan AC.
On October 17 , 2008 Babalade was named manager of 3 SC.
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