Real reason Netherlands star Tijjani Reijnders bears a Nigerian name

• Tijjani Reijnders’ parents were inspired by Tijani Babangida’s playing style at Ajax prompting them to name their son after him
• Since joining AC Milan in 2023, Reijnders has impressed, securing a spot in Stefano Pioli's starting XI and earning a call-up to the Netherlands squad
• His stellar performances also earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals

Tijjani Reijnders, AC Milan’s star midfielder, recently revealed the fascinating backstory behind his unique first name, one that connects him to Nigerian football legend Tijani Babangida. 

In a video shared via social media, Reijnders disclosed that his parents named him after Babangida due to their admiration for the Nigerian winger’s electrifying performances during his time at Ajax in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Babangida, known for his blistering pace, agility, and directness on the pitch, was a fan favourite at Ajax, where he played from 1996 to 2003 before moving to China. His unforgettable style left an indelible impression on football lovers worldwide, including Reijnders' parents, who decided to immortalise their admiration by naming their son after the Nigerian star.

Reijnders elaborated on the inspiration behind his name in a viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, 

"There is a football player from Ajax. His name is Tijani Babangida, and my parents liked his first name." 

Tijjani Reijnders has carved a name for himself in European football, proving his talent in Serie A with AC Milan. 

The 25-year-old joined the Italian giants in July 2023 after an impressive season with AZ Alkmaar, where his off-ball brilliance and sharp game reading caught the attention of top clubs.

Since his move, Reijnders has become an integral part of Milan's setup under Stefano Pioli. He made an immediate impact, debuting against Bologna and scoring his first goal for the Rossoneri against Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on November 21. 

Primarily deployed as a left-sided central midfielder, or "mezzala," in a 4-3-3 formation, Reijnders has also excelled as part of a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 system. Despite being right-footed, his adaptability and tactical awareness have made him a standout performer.

Reijnders' rise earned him his first call-up to the Netherlands national team for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffer biggest FIFA ranking drop in years

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced a major setback in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, November 28, recording the steepest drop of any national team in November 2024. 

The three-time African champions fell from 36th to 44th in the global standings, marking an eight-place plunge and their biggest decline in recent years.