Balogun Still Nigeria’s Greatest – Onigbinde At 53rd Memorial
As preparations heighten for the 53rd posthumous anniversary of late Nigerian football legend, Teslim Thunder Balogun, former Super Eagles coach Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has declared him “Nigeria’s greatest footballer of all time.” This acknowledgment aligns with ongoing tributes to Balogun’s monumental impact on Nigerian football, emphasizing the legacy he left behind.
Celebrating a Legacy
The memorial celebration for Balogun is set for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, where the Balogun family will honour the trailblazing striker who transformed Nigerian football in the mid-20th century. Chief Onigbinde, revered for his dual spells as Super Eagles head coach, extolled Balogun’s unmatched skills and achievements.
“The greatest footballer Nigeria ever produced was Teslim Balogun, there’s no doubt about it,” Onigbinde stated. “He did many things with the ball that players before him, during his time, and even those after, have not been able to replicate.”
Balogun’s Record-Setting Career
Fondly nicknamed “Thunder” for his powerful shots, Teslim Balogun made significant contributions as a prolific striker, representing the national team for an astounding 12 years. He won the Challenge Cup five times while making seven final appearances, famously scoring the first-ever hat-trick in the competition in 1953. His prowess garnered international attention during the 1949 UK tour with a select Nigerian team.
Balogun also made history as the first African to become a professionally certified football coach, later leading the Nigerian national team at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.
A Permanent Legacy
Chief Onigbinde recalled, “The greatest goal I’ve ever seen scored by any player was Balogun’s at the Olubadan Stadium in 1968 during a match against England.” As the Balogun family prepares to mark his 53rd memorial anniversary, tributes continue to pour in for this sportsman whose influence extended far beyond the pitch.
The Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos stands as a lasting symbol of his contributions to Nigerian sport and national pride, honoring not only a remarkable athlete, but a pioneer who paved the way for generations of Nigerian and African footballers.
As we celebrate Balogun’s life and legacy, we invite readers to comment on their favorite memories of this legendary footballer.
InfoSport: Celebrate the enduring legacy of Teslim Thunder Balogun, hailed as Nigeria’s greatest footballer by Chief Adegboye Onigbinde during the 53rd memorial anniversary.
