LMC directs all NPFL players to wear black armbands for MatchDay 8. A minute silence is also to be observed at 70th minute
By Emma Ogbuehi
Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko has extended condolences to the immediate family of late Rasheed Balogun, the General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan. The chairman also directed that on MatchDay 8, all club players are to wear black armbands.
To further honour the late Balogun, whose association with professional club football dates back to the 1980’s, the LMC has directed a symbolic stoppage of all MatchDay 8 games on the 70th minute for observation of a minute silence to mark the age at which he died.
Dikko was represented at the interment of Balogun in Lagos on Friday by Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Club Owners Association.
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Dikko while also commiserating with the management and players of 3SC as well as the government and people of Oyo State, described the late Balogun as “not only a committed club football administrator but also, someone who actively contributed to building a strong league football in the country”.
“Balogun saw all the clubs as his constituency, which explained why over the years, he had worked with four clubs including Julius Berger of Lagos, defunct Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Sunshine Stars before joining 3SC”.
While urging the family to see his death as the will of Allah, the LMC Chairman noted that “his legacy of dogged pursuit of the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence should be a source of inspiration to those he left behind”.
Balogun passed on in Ibadan on Thursday night at the age of 70 years after a protracted illness, family members disclosed.
Fondly called Ekulekule by his admirers, late Balogun would be remembered for his doggedness and result-oriented attributes on matters affecting his club and players.
Dikko prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his immediate family, Shooting Stars Management and players as well as his friends the fortitude to bear his demise.
