According to Punchng. Adegboye Onigbinde, a former coach of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has expressed his admiration for Mulikat Balogun, the late wife of renowned Nigerian footballer Teslim 'Thunder' Balogun, as the family commemorates her 25th anniversary today.
Onigbinde acknowledged Mulikat's significant role in her husband's football career, highlighting that during the matches he witnessed Balogun play in his prime, Mulikat would perform a pre-match ritual of motivating her husband to score decisive goals.
The coach, who guided the Eagles to the 2002 World Cup, revealed that it was Mulikat who played a crucial part in Balogun's decision to return to Nigeria and continue his football journey.
Initially, Balogun had turned down the request of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Premier of Western Nigeria at the time, to assist the West Rovers FC in winning the prestigious Challenge Cup, the country's premier football competition.
During this period, Balogun was already making strides in his career in the English Football League, representing Queens Park Rangers FC in 1958.
However, upon Mulikat's persuasion, Balogun returned to Nigeria and contributed to West Rovers' historic triumph in 1958, securing the title for the first time in the club's history.
Balogun's exceptional skill and artistry were instrumental in achieving this victory.
Onigbinde further revealed that Mulikat had a foresighted vision for the development of football in Nigeria.
She encouraged her husband to establish numerous youth clubs in Lagos, which ultimately laid the foundation for the formation of new football teams across the country.
Mulikat Balogun's unwavering support, motivational rituals, and forward-thinking approach contributed significantly to her husband's success and the growth of football in Nigeria.
As the family commemorates her 25th year anniversary, her impact on Nigerian football continues to be celebrated and cherished.
Content created and supplied by: smarthusstle (via Opera News )
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