Former Nigeria international Tijani Babangida has shared his own experience of racial abuse in European football, recalling a painful incident that occurred during his playing days in the mid-1990s.
Babangida revealed that the incident happened at the Estádio da Luz during a European competition match around the 1994/1995 season.
Read Also: Francis Orbih Promises Greater Progress After Third-Term Re-Election
“I experienced racial abuse there during a European Cup game,” Babangida said.
The former winger explained that the incident was particularly shocking because the Portuguese club involved had several Black players in their squad at the time.
“What made it surprising was that Benfica themselves had Black players on the pitch,” he noted.
Babangida made the comparison while reflecting on recent racial abuse cases involving Vinícius Júnior, which have sparked widespread debate about racism in football.
“It shows that racism has been in the game for a long time,” he added.
According to the former Super Eagles star, football clubs must take stronger responsibility when such incidents occur rather than leaving the matter solely to governing bodies.
“Clubs must take responsibility and act immediately when racism happens,” Babangida stressed.
He argued that relying only on disciplinary actions from international football authorities often delays justice and weakens the fight against discrimination.
“We cannot always wait for the governing bodies before something is done,” he explained.
Babangida believes clubs should adopt zero-tolerance policies that protect players and send a strong message to offenders.
“Football must protect its players. Racism should never be tolerated,” he said.
The former Ajax winger concluded by urging football authorities and clubs across Europe to work together to eliminate discrimination from the sport.
“The game must be safe and respectful for everyone,” Babangida stated.
