A cream of sportsmen and women, administrators, fans and sporting organisations from different parts of Nigeria have paid glowing tributes to the family of Teslim ‘Thunder Bolt’ Balogun as they mark the 42nd Memorial Service of their father on Wednesday (today).

Son of the late player, Kayode Balogun, said some of these tributes came from Chairman CFAO, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (OFR); former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde; President General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rauf Ladipo; and former Chairman, Lagos Isalnd East LCDA, Nosiru Kadiku

Okoya-Thomas said the late Balogun was a hero whose fascinating exploits motivated a lot of companies to float clubs in Lagos. He also described the ex-international as a perfect header, who scored most of his goals with the head.

“One thing that people don’t talk about was his level of fitness. He didn’t smoke or take alcohol. He trained very hard and when you see him running, you would think he was going to be a miler,” Okoya said.

In his tribute, ex-Eagles coach Onigbinde described Balogun as a footballer with bullet shots in both feet.

“He had the speed and could dribble. A Ghanaian newspaper once described him as the greatest centre forward that Africa ever produced,” Onigbinde said.

Also, Kadiku remarked that the late footballer got the nickname Thunder Bolt because of the goals he scored in the 1949 Challenge Cup final between Nigeria     Railways and Lagos Marines, which claimed many lives.

Marines were leading 3-0 until eight minutes from time, when Balogun grabbed a hat-trick to level up for his side. When he scored the third goals, many fans fell off from where they were jubilating and about five of them died on the spot.

Ladipo on his part said Balogun rendered assistance to various youth clubs in Lagos State for the development of the game.

Balogun left a mark, producing sporting children namely ex-international, Lankey, Tokunbo, Kayode, Jibola and Bioye.

A statement by Kayode Balogun read, “The progressive government of Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has confirmed that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. He has promised to take sports in Lagos to the next level.

“The family also uses this opportunity to thank the governor for the new facelift of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.