Babangida watched the game from the Royal Box in the Johan Cruijff ArenA alongside his former manager, Louis van Gaal. Just before kickoff, a video was shown on the stadium's big screens referencing the crowdfunding initiative for Babangida, titled Support Baba.
The 50,000-strong crowd in the Johan Cruijff ArenA fell silent as they listened to the story of 'Baba'. A moment later, respectful applause rippled through the stadium as the former Ajax winger appeared on the screen.
A Special Artwork for 'Baba'
Approximately ten minutes earlier, Babangida and Van Gaal were presented with a special gift by Ajax’s general director, Menno Geelen. The gift was a piece of art created by Barry Pirovano, immortalising a legendary moment in Ajax’s history: Babangida’s goal during the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in March 1997.
In that iconic match, following a stunning goal by Dani, Babangida sealed the 2-3 victory in Spain with a brilliant chip. Immediately after scoring, the diminutive winger leapt into the arms of his manager, Van Gaal. Both Babangida and Van Gaal were visibly moved when Geelen presented the artwork.
Ajax went on to win the match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA 3-0, marking a meaningful and emotional evening for the former winger.
