Thunder Balogun

The legendary Teslimi Akanni Balogun aka 'Thunder'(1927-72): He was Born in Lagos to Oseni Balogun a star Cricketer of the 1920's. 

In the 40's and 50's he played for several Lagos clubs such as Apapa, Marine, Railway, Pan Bank and Dynamic. With these clubs, he won the Governor's Challenge Cup a record five times in seven Finals. Balogun was nicknamed 'Thunder Balogun' because of his silky skills and lethal shot.

In 1955, he went to England as an apprentice Printer and later signed for Peterborough United becoming the first African professional to play in the UK. Whilst in the UK he played for Queens Park Rangers popularly called QPR, Holbeach United and Skegness.

He was very well known. He was a member of the UK Tourists and Balogun’s team-mate at Railways for many years. He, Balogun, Peter Anieke, Sokari Dokubo and Anosike were the legendary‘Urion line’ - the most lethal strike force in Nigerian a Football at the time. Urion was the Railways coach. This was at one time the most successful team in Nigerian FA Cup history, before WNDC/IICC emerged.

He was the first African to qualify as a professional Football Coach. He coached Nigeria's team at the Mexico Olympics in 1968. Balogun died peacefully in his sleep in Ibadan aged only 45.

A Stadium in Lagos is named after him and there is a Teslimi Balogun Foundation set up in his honour.

The "Thunder Balogun" (L), playing for Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) in 1956. He was one of the first Nigerians to play in England.