Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has told Saturday PUNCH a private hospital in Ibadan declined treating Ajibade Babalade before the retired 3 SC defender died in Ibadan , the Oyo State capital , on Friday afternoon .
According to Shorunmu , Babalade ’ s teammate at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal , the former footballer died in Ibadan after suffering cardiac arrest .
Babalade , 48 , died while being rushed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan , our correspondent learnt . He is survived by a wife and three kids , who are all based in the US.
However , Shorunmu disclosed that the former Shooting Stars Team Manager was denied treatment by the first hospital he was taken to , before he was referred to UCH .
“ The first hospital he was rushed to in Ibadan , he was rejected by the doctors and referred to the University College Hospital. But on his arrival at the UCH premises, he gave up the ghost at the gate . May his soul rest in peace , ” Shorumu told Saturday PUNCH exclusively .
Shorunmu told Saturday PUNCH he was informed of Babalade ’ s death in the afternoon , after attending Jumat service .
“ I went to the mosque for Jumat service this ( Friday ) afternoon , so I switched off my phone. Immediately I put it back on , I got a message from Ajibade ’ s in - law that I needed to be at his place . So, I went with my wife , but on our arrival , the ( Babalade ’ s ) family broke the news to me, ” Shorumnu told Saturday PUNCH.
“ I’ m very sad as we speak now . This is someone whom I spoke with two days ago ( on Wednesday ) , when he celebrated his son’ s birthday.
“ I was told he had cardiac arrest in the ( Friday ) morning . I had to console his wife and kids, who are based in America , over the demise of their father . He died at the UCH gate . ”
The hard - as- nails retired defender was a squad member of the Eagles that won bronze at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal . He was capped 13 times by Nigeria between 1990 and 1998 .
Babalade began his professional club career at Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1990 , before several stints at 3 SC , helping the Oluyole Warriors reach the final of the CAF Champions League in 1996 .
He played professionally abroad at Ivoirian side , African Sports , Anyang LG Cheetahs ( Korea) , SK Sturm Graz ( Austria ) and Indian club Mohun Bagan AC .
On October 17 , 2008 Babalade was named as Team Manager of 3 SC .
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