NIGERIA'S MOST FAMOUS FOOTBALLER TO DATE.
Teslim Olowale "Thunder" Balogun ( 1927 - 30th July 1972 ) was a Nigerian football player and coach. Balogun played at both professional and international levels as a striker, before becoming Africa's first qualified professional coach.
Teslim Balogun played in Nigeria for a number of teams, including Apapa Bombers, Marine Athletics, UAC 11, Railways 11, Jos 11, Pan Bank Team, Dynamo's Club and SCOA 11. During his time in Nigeria. Balogun won Challenge Cup a total of seven times.
After originally touring with Nigerian select team in 1949, Balogun returned to the UK in August ,1955 to sign with Peterborough United. However, Balogun never made a league appearance for Peterborough, and spent time with Skegness Town before signing with Queen's Park Rangers, scoring 3 goals in 13 appearance in the football league during the 1956/57 season. After leaving QPR, Balogun returned to non - league, playing with Holbeach United.
Balogun was a member of the Nigerian national team for 17 years and was nicknamed "Thunder" because of his powerful shot and was also known as "Balinga" for a similar reason. During his time touring schools to coach youngsters, he was again nicknamed " Baba Ball."
The Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos is named in his honour.
Thunder Balinga Baba Ball you made us proud.
May the departed souls rest in perfect peace.
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