Former Super Eagles’ Manager, Adegboye Onigbinde, yesterday, joined the family of the late football maestro, Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun, and other stakeholders to reminisce on the former forward, who set the Nigerian soccer scene alight in the 1950s and 1960s.

Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the death of Balogun, who died in his sleep on July 30, 1972 at his Ibadan home.

To celebrate the former national team coach, family, friends and well wishers will gather today at the Ikorodu home of the Baloguns to offer prayers for their late patriarch.

Onigbinde is among sports celebrities expected to be part of the celebrations at the home of the Baloguns in Lagos.

According to Kayode Balogun, the eldest surviving son of the late football icon, the commemoration of their father’s passing would be low key this year.

“In the past we organised age-group football competitions, symposiums and other related events to mark the passing of our late father but this year, we just want to organise a quiet prayer session with close friends and sympathisers. It is deliberate.”

Kayode’s younger brother, Olamide Balogun, echoed the same sentiments. “My father loved his children passionately. He made sure all of us went to school. He was also a true patriot, who spoke Nigeria’s three major languages; Ibo, Hausa and Yoruba fluently.

“Apart from his exploits as a player, he was also a top notch coach who scouted for the best talents. Once he observed a football player, he could easily tell which position the player would fit in easily.”
Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde corroborated what Olamide said. “He identified the coaching potential in me. He discovered and nurtured me to what I have become today,” the veteran coach said.