Teslimi Akanni Balogun, also known as "Thunder" (1927-1972), was a legendary Nigerian footballer and coach.
Born in Lagos, his father Oseni Balogun was a famous cricketer. Teslimi played for many Lagos football clubs, including Apapa, Marine, and Railway. He won the Governor's Challenge Cup five times.
People called him "Thunderbolt" because of his amazing football skills and powerful shots. In 1955, he moved to England to learn printing, but soon started playing football professionally for Peterborough United.
Teslimi was the first African to become a professional football coach. He even coached Nigeria's team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Sadly, Teslimi died at the age of 45 in Ibadan. Today, a stadium in Lagos is named after him, and there's a foundation in his honor.
#Africa #Nigeria
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