Nigerian Football
Breaking! Tesilimi ‘Thunder’ Balogun’s first son, Tunde dies
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
As the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the death of football legend, Tesilimi ‘Thunder’ Balogun gathers momentum, his first son, Tunde Balogun has died. He was the eldest of the eight children – seven male and a female – of the late legend.
According to Kayode Balogun, the third child of the late legend, Tunde, aged 67 died in Surulere, Lagos.
Born on 16 February 1955, he was 17 years old when Thunder Balogun died in 1972. Having the same height of 6ft 2in like his father, he was anticipated to be the one to step into the father’s lager-than-life shoes.
Tunde Balogun was called up into the Nigeria Academicals’ team that played Ghana in 1972 in what used to be an annual contest for the Nigerpool Cup.
He was also a star of the intermediate team of the then Western State during the 1973 National Sports Festival in Lagos. The team got to the semi-finals before a late goal by Thompson Usiyan of the Midwest State edged Western State out from getting to the final.
That was a year after the passing on of Tesilimi Balogun. Tunde Balogun was anticipated to star for Nigeria as had done his father as he was just a split image of the legend and had the same height. He made waves in school football and eventually earned scholarship to study Geology at the prestigious Howard University in the US.
On his return, he played for Water Corporation FC, Ibadan, a club that his father assisted in forming in 1967.
Noted for a unique body swerving skills, characteristics of his father, Thunder, he often left defenders stranded.
A typical example was a National League match involving Water Corporation and Enugu Rangers at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, he was a terror in the Rangers defence, but for the extra agility of goalkeeeper Emmanuel Okala.
Rangers eventually won the match, 1-0, courtesy of a late strike by Ernest Ufele.
Tunde Balogun, before travelling to the US, had his secondary school education at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo and finished in 1972, the year his father passed away.
For his Advance Level certificate. He started at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro but finished at Government College, Ibadan in 1974.
Apart from soccer he was a great long distance racer, particularly in 400 metres where he also excelled
He thereafter travelled to the United States for his tertiary studies, to improve his academic qualification in 1974.
Tunde Teslim-Balogun was well known to be a personality of impeccable character with high sense of humility and generosity.
Tunde Teslim-Balogun was born in Ibadan but hailed from Lagos Island in Lagos on the 16th of February, 1955.
He was born at the time his father- Teslim Thunder- Balogun was a soccer star reigning across Nigeria , West Africa and internationally.
He was nicknamed ‘Ara’, meaning ‘thunder’ to describe his thunderous kicks at goal like his father, in that school.
His presence as a student in Olivet Heights in Oyo boosted the school’s performance in the Principals’ Cup Football Competition among secondary schools in Western State then.
His soccer wizardry was overwhelming across the whole state then, just like his father. It was a plus to Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro in Egbado area of Western State then, when he gained admission there for his HSC studies in 1972.
The climax at that prestigious school Soccer days was his superlative performance that propelled Government College Ibadan to the final of the Western State Principals’ Cup Football Competition played at Liberty Stadium in Ibadan in 1973.
He left behind soccer talented brothers and sister; namely Tokunbo, Kayode, Olamide, Ajibola, Iyabode, Bioye, and Wole.
According to family sources, the 40 day Fidau will hold just days before the celebration of the 50th anniversary of passing on of Tesilimi Balogun, after whom the Teslim Balogun Stadium is named.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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