The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, and other stakeholders have mourned the death of Mr Rasheed Balogun, the General Manager, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.
This is contained in separate statements made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Balogun died on Thursday evening after a protracted illness at the age of 62.
SWAN, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Niyi Alebiosu and Adewale Tijani, respectively, described Balogun’s death as a great loss to Nigeria football.
The association said that Balogun’s death had robbed Nigeria’s football fraternity of an experienced football administrator.
“Balogun’s death is a colossal loss not only to 3SC, but also to the entire football fraternity in Nigeria. Even we, journalists, will miss him sorely.
“He was our friend, our father and our adviser. Balogun related with us very well and made our work very easy for us. It’s sad we lost him,” it said.
The association said that Balogun died at a time his wealth of experience was needed most by 3SC to weather the stormy water of the Nigeria premier league.
“We’re very sad, but who are we to question the Almighty God who gives and takes life? God knows why he left at this time. May Allah forgive him his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,” it said.
The association commiserated with 3SC officials, players, fans, Oyo State Football Association, Oyo State Sports Council, Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
It prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and also made supplication that God would give the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, organisers of the nation’s first pre-season tournament for domestic clubs, Ogunjobi Gold Cup, have commiserated with the late Balogun’s family, friends and well-wishers on the death of the deceased.
Tunde Shamsudeen, the Coordinator, described Balogun’s death as a great loss to the family, state sports ministry, sports council, players, coaches, officials of the 3SC, Nigerian football family and numerous admirers.
“The news of Balogun’s death on Thursday came to me as a shock as the Shooting Stars General Manager was full of life despite his health challenge.
“He was part of the success stories of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup and the league teams he had worked with.
“I was reduced to tears and left speechless on hearing the news of the GM’s death, who was a father, mentor and benefactor,’’ he said.
Shamsudeen recalled how the late Balogun told him in Enugu, venue of the NNL playoff that 3SC would take part in the 9th edition of their pre-season tournament.
“Our domestic league has lost a real gem, whose wealth of football administration experience cannot be matched, having worked with Julius Berger, Sunshine Stars, Dolphins (now Rivers United) and 3SC.
“I don’t want to mourn him, but rather celebrate him as he has left lasting legacies in our domestic football.
“I pray God to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljanah Fridaos and give his family the strength to bear the loss,’’ he said. (NAN)
