Babalade was a no nonsense defender – Adepoju

A former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has described his former team mate, Ajibade Babalade as a no nonsense defender during his active days.

In a chat with the ‘headmaster’ as he fondly called, Adepoju expressed his shock at his death, saying further that he will miss him.

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“It is a sad loss and very painful we lost him.

“We will miss him dear as a friend and colleague,” he said.

Adepoju also spoke on Babalade’s personality on the pitch describing him as a player who was always ready to give his all on the football pitch.

“During his playing time, he was so committed to the national team and the Shooting Stars.

“On the field, he was dreaded by the opposing attackers as he was a no nonsense defender even as he was lanky.

“He was always ready to play free kicks because he had bullets in his legs,” he said.

Babalade who was fondly called ‘Kunde’ passed away of cardiac arrest in Ibadan last week Friday at the age of 48.

Prior to his death, he was the team manager of Nigeria National League side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

Babalade played for the Nigeria national team in the 90s and he was part of the team that won bronze at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

At club level, he had playing stints in South Korea, Ivory Coast, Austria, Nigeria and India before calling time on his career in 2005.

The ex-Nigeria defender also played in the Caf Champions League final with 3SC in 1996 but they lost to Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek.

During his stint in Austria with Sturm Graz, Babalade played in the Champions League before returning to 3SC in 2004 and he ended his career in India with Mohun Bagan AC a year later.