The global football community was electrified last week as legendary Nigerian winger and former Ajax “Bullet Train,” Tijani Babangida, successfully launched his highly anticipated autobiography, “Between Sun and the Shadow.” The star-studded event in Amsterdam was a powerful demonstration of the deep respect and lasting bonds he forged throughout his remarkable career.
The evening’s guest list read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of football history, with several of Babangida’s most influential former coaches flying in to celebrate his literary debut. In a moving show of support, icons like Louis van Gaal, Jo Bonfrere, and Huub Stevens were all in attendance, underscoring the profound professional and personal connections they share with the author.
The celebration extended beyond the coaching staff, with a massive turnout from his peers. Fellow Nigerian legend Sunday Oliseh was present, alongside global superstar Clarence Seedorf, highlighting the universal admiration Babangida commands. The event also saw talent from the current generation, including Tijani Reijnders from Manchester City, among the many Dutch internationals who came to honor the former Ajax star.
Babangida was also surrounded by friends and family who traveled great distances, including his brother Haruna Babangida from Spain, and esteemed Nigerian figures like Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, cementing the evening as a joyous blend of professional accolades and personal milestones.
An Honest, Unflinching Look at the Game
The memoir, titled “Between Sun and the Shadow,” promises to be an honest and unflinching look at the unique challenges and triumphs of an African footballer’s journey. It offers candid advice to younger African players navigating the complexities of European football and details the personal ups and downs of a professional football career.
However, the most anticipated sections are where Babangida finally opens up about two of the most significant and debated periods in Nigerian football history:
The 1994 World Cup: Babangida provides his own account—straight from the horse’s mouth—of the team dynamics and controversies surrounding the Super Eagles’ historic campaign.
The 1996 Olympic Games Triumph: The book offers a deeply personal narrative of the Golden Dream Team’s incredible gold medal victory in Atlanta, revealing the crucial, untold details that happened behind the scenes.
While the initial version of the book has been released in Dutch, Tijani Babangida confirmed exciting news for his global readership. ” This first version is in Dutch, but very soon, early next year, we will release the English version,” he announced. He also noted that for now, a release in Nigeria is not possible due to the language of the first edition.
The choice of Amsterdam for the launch was strategic, serving as a perfect central hub for his fans. “Amsterdam will be the perfect place because of people flying in from Africa or around Europe; Amsterdam will be the best bet for them,” Babangida explained.
Following the launch, the author plans to connect directly with his readership across the Netherlands. “Like this week and next week, I will go to other cities around to sign the books in the bookstores,” he added, ensuring that this essential football narrative reaches as many fans as possible.
”Between Sun and the Shadow” is not just a memoir; it’s a piece of football history, a guide, and a powerful testament to Tijani Babangida’s enduring legacy, promising a truly mind-blowing read for any football enthusiast.
