‘Thunder’ Balogun’s legacy must not die - Son

Fifty-four years after his mysterious death, the legacy of Nigerian football icon Teslim 'Thunder' Balogun is at risk of being forgotten, according to his son, Kayode Balogun. Teslim Balogun, a legendary footballer and coach, passed away in his sleep at the age of 45 in Ibadan. His son recounts the night of his father's death, describing a normal evening followed by a sudden scream and the discovery of his father unresponsive. Despite neighbors and a doctor confirming his death, the exact cause remains unknown to the family. Kayode is now appealing to both the federal and Lagos state governments to ensure his father's significant contributions to Nigerian football are not lost. Balogun was celebrated for his powerful shot, earning him the nickname 'Thunder.' He represented Nigeria for 12 years, was part of the famous UK Tourists, and won the Governor's Challenge Cup a record five times. He also played for English clubs like Peterborough United and Queens Park Rangers. Beyond his playing career, Balogun was the first African to qualify as a professional football coach. He returned to Nigeria at the request of the former Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to help develop the sport, leading the Western Nigeria team to a Challenge Cup triumph. He later coached the Nigerian national team at the 1968 Summer Olympics. His son Engineer Olamide Balogun remembers him as a loving family man who prioritized his children's happiness. The Lagos state government has honored him by naming the multi-purpose stadium in Surulere after him, a move Kayode hopes will be part of a broader effort to keep his father's memory alive.

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When he got back home from work, the evening before his demise, he was in his usual self, ebullient and cheerful. After dinner, we all went to bed; no complaints. Early in the morning, we were woken up by a loud scream from dad’s bedroom. It was mommy. When we rushed to the bedroom to find out what happened, we saw mom just screaming and pointing at our daddy, lying still on the bed.