The Nigeria Football Federation President (NFF), Amaju Pinnick hailed Teslim “Thunder” Balogun pioneering efforts, dynamism and commitment to fatherland as he assured that all needed endorsements and support need by the foundation will be given by the NFF.
Pinnick said this at the book launch that marked the 50 anniversary of the late player to celebrate and immortalise him.
He further added that the late player was one of the Nigerian football legend.
“I was about two-year old when Thunder Balogun died, I never watch him play, but as a boy I heard so much about him and his “magical shot”.
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“As his family is celebrating him even in dead, we will support the family in the foundation name after him.
“The aim of the foundation is to assist in grassroots football development is one of the NFF main objectives”, he said
Pinnick also commend the Lagos State government for immortalizing by naming a stadium in his honour.
NFF president described Thunder Balogun as Nigeria football hero.
Former Super Eagles coach, Festus Onigbinde , gave a lectures on late Teslim Balogun: “The man, His career and His Impact’’.
In his lecture , Onigbinde noted that Balogun made him the coach he was.
“As far as I am concerned, he remains the greatest footballer Nigeria has ever produced.
“ He had all the areas of fitness a footballer needed to excel in the field of play.
“As a coach, he had the eyes to identify talents, Teslim initiated development of football in Nigeria in 1961.
“Footballers of today need to study a lot about the late Thunder Balogun to know the meaning of true commitment, invention and patriotism,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Lekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel who was ably represented by Engr. Abayomi Oyegusi.
The book lunch on the late soccer icon and the re-launch of the Teslim Thunder Balogun Foundation, are among the highlights of the 50th anniversary held the at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lagos on Tuesday July 26, 2022.
Part of the programme was also dedicated to the memory of Mr.Tunde Tajudeen Balogun, first son of the soccer legend who died at the peak of preparations for the 50th anniversary.
