Odegbami Remembers Balogun on Day of His Passing

Segun Odegbami, a former captain of the Green Eagles, disclosed that he was set to meet the legendary Nigerian footballer Teslim “Thunder” Balogun on July 30, 1972, the very day Balogun passed away. Despite both being football legends, Odegbami never had the chance to meet Balogun during his lifetime.

On the day of the scheduled meeting, Odegbami's team, Housing Corporation, was to play against Mighty Jets of Jos at Liberty Stadium, where Balogun was expected to attend. Shortly before kickoff, officials announced that Balogun had been found dead in bed after attempts to wake him for the match.

Although there were considerations to call off the match, it ultimately proceeded in Balogun's honor. Balogun, known for his powerful shot, was the first Nigerian to play professional football in England and the first African to qualify as a professional coach, leading the Nigerian team at the 1968 Olympics.

He died at age 41, and the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, is named in his honor.