Lesley Ugochukwu stirs attention: Chelsea star posts photo of himself in Owerri
Football![Lesley Ugochukwu stirs attention: Chelsea star posts photo of himself in Owerri](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/55ff8e1cfcd0e1d4.webp?v=1)
AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, has confirmed that he was named after Super Eagles legend, Tijani Babangida.
The Dutch international also shed more light on the connection between his name and that of the former Nigerian international.
The AC Milan star scored his first international goal for Die Oranje in their 4-0 win over Scotland in a friendly a few days ago.
In a viral video shared on social media, the Dutch midfielder explained that his parents named him after Babangida due to their love for the former Super Eagles star during his time with Ajax in the late 1990s.
Lesley Ugochukwu stirs attention: Chelsea star posts photo of himself in Owerri
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The former AZ Alkmaar star claimed his parents liked the Nigerian legendary winger's first name.
"There is a football player from Ajax, his name is Tijani Babangida, and my parents liked his first name," Reijnders explained.
The explanation from the Milan midfielder stirred up some mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.
@Orguy said:
"Oh wow! Solid stuff. Legacy things."
@dakdutch said:
"Football fans be doing too much. Reminds me of one Singaporean guy named Solskjaer."
@Tommyskizy said:
"We Don dey motivate and inspire no be today... Naija no dey Carry last."
@Lord_Rafosky4 said:
"Hmmm I was wondering about this yesterday watching the Netherlands vs Scotland friendly so I needn't wonder anymore then lol interesting."
@Lasgiddy8 said:
"Every time I pronounced his name. I’m always like “this is a yoruba name now”"
@Luctorrr said:
David continues scoring streak as Lille draw with Brest
Football"I used to say that Tijani sounded Nigerian. Was still telling my brother about it while we were checking their line up against Scotland."
Sports Brief earlier reported on football expert, Peppe Di Stefano, stating Samuel Chukwueze is AC Milan’s biggest flop this season after his challenging start to his career in Italy.
The 24-year-old has faced heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike after struggling to adapt to life in Serie A following his €20 million summer transfer move from Villarreal.