Jili Buyabu: Sheffield United defender delivers his own baby while out on loan at Forest Green Rovers
Sheffield United defender Jili Buyabu could feature for Forest Green Rovers this weekend - two days after delivering his own baby.
The 22-year-old has been on loan at The Bolt New Lawn since the summer and has been a key figure in the club’s National League promotion push.
However, he was presented a different type of challenge when his wife went into late-stage labour in the early hours of yesterday (March 5) morning.
Buyabu did not have time to get her to the hospital and delivered the child himself before paramedics could get there.
Jili Buyabu steps up
Forest Green boss Robbie Savage told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "Jili Buyabu had rung me at a quarter to 12 [on Wednesday] saying I've got to take my partner to the hospital as she's due but it was a false alarm.
"He woke me up this morning at 10 to seven and said 'gaffer, I've just delivered the baby. I said ‘what, you?’, and he said 'yeah'.
"He was with his partner, the contractions started and he didn't have time to get to the hospital or get the paramedics there so Jili has actually delivered the baby.
"When the paramedics got there he put them on the phone and he said 'tell him'. They said ‘yes, he's delivered the baby’. At 22 years of age, I am so proud of him. For him to do that it is a brilliant story."
Savage said mother and baby are doing well and that Buyabu would have the rest of the day off before reporting back to training. Forest Green are due to host Aldershot Town tomorrow (March 7).
Jili Buyabu’s Sheffield United career
Buyabu has been on the books of the Blades since December 2021, when he was prised from non-league outfit Hornchurch.
He has made two senior appearances for the club, having made his debut against Birmingham City in May 2023.
The wing-back first experienced the fifth tier last term, spending time with Rochdale before a move to Forest Green was arranged when the new campaign kicked off.
His first loan move away from Bramall Lane took him to Motherwell, but he returned after just one appearance due to personal reasons.