22nd January, 2022
The Ondo State Football Association (FA) has expressed deep shock over the death of Shooting Stars Football Team Manager, Rasheed Balogun, and condoled with his family.
Otunba Dele Ajayi, the Chairman of the FA, in a statement by the association’s Media Officer, Segun Giwa, on Saturday in Akure, lamented the untimely death of Balogun.
He noted that Balogun died at a time the football world, especially the newly promoted 3SC needed his expertise most.
Rasheed Balogun died on Thursday at the age of 62 after a brief illness.
Balogun had at a time worked in Ondo State as the Team Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure.
Ajayi said the association sympathised with the deceased immediate family, the whole football family and Oyo State Government.
“I urge the entire staff of 3SC to ensure that they put in their best in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League and all competitive competitions to keep the memory of Rasheed Balogun alive,” he said.
In the same development, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in the state also condoled with the family and friends of the late Balogun.
SWAN chairman in the state, Wahab Bankole, in a statement expressed heartfelt condolences to the sport-loving people of Oyo State.
“Our hearts are heavy, but with a deep sense of gratitude to almighty Allah for a great service to football in Nigeria.
“The entire members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, commiserate with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and the entire Oyo State football family over the passing of the club’s General Manager, Rasheed Balogun.
“As we receive the news with rude shock, we fondly remember his days as team manager of Sunshine Stars FC Akure.
“We also remember his patriotic services to both South-West clubs, which fueled the passion of football lovers in the region,” he said.
Balogun was buried on Friday according to Islamic rites.