Former Nigerian international, Tijani Babangida has opened up about experiencing racial abuse during his playing days, saying the incident happened at Benfica’s famous home ground, Estádio da Luz.
Babangida said the incident occurred during the 1994/1995 season when he was playing for Roda JC in a European Cup match.
According to the 52 year-old, the fans targeted him racially despite the Portuguese side fielding black players in the same game.
Babangida stressed that clubs must take full responsibility for incidents of racism instead of always waiting for governing bodies to act.
“I experienced racism in the 1994/1995 season, I was with Roda JC and we went to play a European Cup game in Portugal.
“I was targeted with racist abuse, despite them also having black players. I think we lost the game 1-0.
“The clubs should take responsibility of all the things that happen not to always wait for FIFA to make a decision.”
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The Nigerian legend enjoyed a successful career, winning Olympic gold at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
He also won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup in the Netherlands, as well as the Turkish Cup.
Tijani Babangida earned 36 caps for Nigeria, represented the country at two AFCON tournaments and played at the FIFA World Cup.
The highlight of his club career was his time at AFC Ajax.
