Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has dedicated his goal and Man of the Match award to Nigerian Air Force officers who lost their lives in the NAF931 jet crash on Tuesday morning.
Tanimu made the emotional tribute after helping his team secure a vital away point against Dodoma Jiji FC in Friday evening’s Tanzania League Matchday 7 encounter.
The Nigerian defender put his body on the line to find the net in the 44th minute, earning his team a crucial result on the road and capping his impressive performance with the Man of the Match honour.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle after the match, Tanimu described the achievement as a special feeling before dedicating both his goal and individual accolade to his fallen compatriots.
“I dedicate this goal and award to my dear friends who FELL IN THE LINE OF DUTY while serving our Fatherland. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he wrote.
The former Nigerian international also paid a heartfelt tribute to the deceased officers, concluding his message with the words: “REST WELL, GALLANT HEROES!”
Tanimu’s gesture adds an emotional dimension for the millions of viewers around the world and fans at the stadium as the defender used his moment on the pitch to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in service to Nigeria.
The former Crawley Town FC defender received his man of the match award wearing a branded shirt honouring the Fallen Heroes
The Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 carrying 32 people crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria, on Monday during a flight from Benin City to Lagos.
The aircraft, identified by Nigerian authorities as NAF 931 (NGR 931), had 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard.