“Thunder” Balogun for Centenary Awards UK…,As Onigbinde, NOC Scribe, others storm memorial cup finals
Nigeria’s soccer legend, Teslim “Thunder” Balogun has been selected for a posthumous honour in the United Kingdom version of the Nigerian Centenary Awards for his contributions to the promotion and prestige of Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially in the UK, during his life time.
The Nigerian Centenary Awards UK, endorsed by the Nigerian High Commission to Britain, “is being held to recognize and celebrate the unique achievements of Nigerians who have participated in the British society over the last 100 years.
Billed for June 27, at the Waltham Forest Hall, Forest Road, London, the event designed as a classy Gala Night will attract eminent Nigerians, diplomats, captains of industry, top media executives, celebrities and the Nigerian community in the UK. Nigerians Nobel Laureate, has particularly indicated willingness to grace the event just as well as it enjoys the support of the Nigeria High Commissioner, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida.
photo credit: yorubanation.net
Teslim Thunder Balogun is reputed to be Africa’s first qualified professional coach and he opened the gate for Nigerian footballers to be involved in British football following his stints with Queens Park Rangers, Peterborough, Skegness and Holbeach football clubs.
Meanwhile the finals of Teslim Balogun Memorial U-15 football competition also organized in his honour comes up Saturday, June 21, at the Campos Square, Lagos, with FIFA/CAF instructor and former national team coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, as well as the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Babatunde Popoola, among other top dignitaries expected in attendance.
The event which kicked off in April with over 30 youth clubs comes to a conclusion with Media Sports Academy of Ebute-Metta and Rozie Football Academy of Iyana-Ipaja vying for the top prize while Flying Stars FA of Somolu and Godswill FA of Lagos Island trade tackles in the third place match.
Representatives of the Teslim Balogun family, Kayode Balogun and Engineer Rasheed Balogun who are expected to be in London to receive the award on their father explained that they have continued to sponsor the youth competition and invest in sports development as their contribution towards the elevation and sustenance of Nigeria’s place in global sports and in appreciation of the honour Nigerians have continued to bestow of their father as an icon of Nigerian football.
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