AJIBADE BABALADE: REMEMBERING SHOOTING STARS, SUPER EAGLES, STURM GRAZ ROCK DEFENDER

|By Oluseyi Adedire|

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Today marked two years since the passing of former Stationary Stores player Ajibade Olaniran Babalade, who died in September 4th, 2020.

Ajibade Olaniran Babalade popularly known as 'Kunde' reportedly died of cardiac arrest at the University College Hospital Ibadan.

News of the 48-year-old’s untimely passing surely sent shockwaves throughout the world as he was a well-known figure following a football career with success.

'Kunde' may not be alive today, but his contributions to Nigeria clubs, Africa Sports d'Abidjan, Anyang LG Cheetahs (FC Seoul) in South Korea and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will live on in memory.

The hard tackling retired defender was part of the Super Eagles squad to the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal where the national team won the bronze. Though he is fondly remembered for his exploits at Shooting Stars, Babalade played for a few other teams both locally and internationally.

Two years after his tragic passing, Shooting Stars fans still fondly remember the star defender who developed rapidly into a no-nonsense defender. He was physical defender and heavily suited to any coach's system.

He was uncompromising in the challenge and strong in the air. The former Shooting Stars general manager was an aggressive demon that no striker wants to go up against, using his incredible size, frame and power to bully those players at either end of the pitch.

Ajibade was different and a role model to modern-day footballers. He was a unifier, a leader, and a man who was always available to engage. He treated everyone with respect, and what he achieved on the field is very much due to his character.

But while Ajibade Olaniran Babalade was a tough nut to crack during his playing days, he took that same leadership and doggedness into retirement.

He often stood up and voiced his opinion on matters that affected the development of the game; perhaps something that many who have followed could take a leaf out of his book.

He also made himself available to the media because he cared too much about the state of football in Nigeria, and wanted to share his experience with the country through interviews.

AJIBADE BABALADE'S CLUBS ON RECORD

Chevron FC, Lagos.

Ajibolu Babes, Lagos.

Housing FC, Akure.

Stationary Stores, Lagos.

Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Owerri.

Shooting Stars, Ibadan.

African Sports, Abidjan.

LG Club, South Korea.

SK Sturm Graz, Austria where he played alongside Ronald Delima, Raul Gonzales, Giego Milito, Clarence Seedof at the maiden edition of EUFA Champions League.

Raham FC, India.

Played his last official game with Shooting Stars against Lobi Stars in Makurdi in a 0-4 loss.

Ex-Team Manager Shooting Stars, 2008-2016.

He passed away September 4th, 2020 and was laid to rest on January 15th, 2021 at his residence. Babalade, is survived by a wife and three kids.