One of Nigeria’s leading football Icons, late Teslimi ‘Thunder’ Balogun will be celebrated by family and friends July next year.
At a press conference to announce plan for the 50th anniversary of his death in Lagos, chairman of the committee, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, said some of the activities lined up for the celebration expected to take place between Monday, July 25 and Saturday July 30, 2022, are exhibition and documentary on the life and times, football and coaching adventures of Balogun while former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde will deliver a lecture dedicated to the exploits of the legend.
Other activities listed include: the launch of Teslim Balogun Foundation, Public presentation, and launch of a book on “The Myth and the accomplishment of Thunder Balogun” by Segun Adenuga, among other events.
Dr. Ladipo, however, solicited the support of stakeholders including the Federal and state governments, ministries, departments and agencies of government, the football authorities, investors in the sports and football sector, the private sector, philanthropists, sports journalists, and the entire Nigerian media.
The weeklong event will also include international friendly football matches with selected teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Togo.
The late Baogun was the first Nigerian and African to play professional football in England with Peterborough United and Queens Park Rangers. He was also the first African professional coach in England.
