The world governing body recognised one of Nigeria’s finest ever football stars three decades after he departed this realm
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, has celebrated late Green Eagles midfielder Mudashiru Babatunde “Muda” Lawal on the 30th anniversary of his demise.
The world football governing body took to their official Twitter account to recognise the contribution of one of Nigeria’s greatest ever players, who died on July 6, 1991.
Writing on the social media microblogging platform, FIFA said: “Muda Lawal inspired Nigeria to their 1st AFCON title in 1980 and was the 1st player to appear in 5 successive editions of the competition.
“30 years ago today, the Super Eagles legend passed away, aged 37.”
At the time Muda Lawal died, he was unarguably Nigeria’s greatest player.
The highly combative midfielder was barely 21 years old when he made his international debut in 1975 and helped Nigeria win the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy on home soil in 1980.
The former Shooting Stars ace was the first player on the continent to appear in five successive editions of the Afcon, representing Nigeria between 1976 and 1984. He won two bronze medals, a silver medal, and a gold medal from four of these tournaments.
By the time he brought the curtain down on his national team career, Lawal was the Green Eagles’ most capped star with 86 appearances, during which time he scored 12 goals.
Lawal played his last international match on August 18, 1985, and died in his home six years later, aged 37.
This post was last modified on July 6, 2021 7:39 pm
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A great gentleman on and off the pitch. I do not remember if he ever had a warning from a referee. He controlled the midfield with energy and intelligence.
At the final match against Algeria at the national stadium in 1980 he was made to play an attacking role and in his usual midfield. After a little nervousness in the new role, he delivered with a beautiful goal.
I am saddened that he died so young but glad that the world body remembers him.
Unfortunately he got one undeserved red when he paid for Abiola Babes.
Thanks Prof. For taking us down memory lane
A great gentleman on and off the pitch. I do not remember if he ever had a warning from a referee. He controlled the midfield with energy and intelligence.
At the final match against Algeria at the national stadium in 1980 he was made to play an attacking role and not his usual midfield. After a little nervousness in the new role, he delivered with a beautiful goal.
I am saddened that he died so young but glad that the world body remembers him.
Muda Lawal is indeed a great player
..wow! Such remembrance comes posthumously to great people, wu at legends..
Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal, the World No. 4, fine footballer and commander of the mid field, gentleman and loving man. Loves football so much. I remember he was a centre forward player, but that was changed by Nigerian football coach.
Maud Lawal said " Father Tico said I should play ,4, and I played 4" hahahaaaaa.
May His Soul Rest In Perfect Peace, Amen.
Muda Lawal the schemer a fine midfielder and one of Nigeria greatest footballer, sunreo Omo agboluaje.
Great player a very Nigerian adieu my hero
Thank so much to FIFA for the remembrance after decades, NFF shame on you, FIFA, thank you once again
That's a good one! Let Nigeria be in the news for good for once. May Babatunde's soul rest in peace. Amen.
Muda....! Archives of the all time greats!
It's true that a prophet they say is hardly appreciated in his home, what a shame that is fifa that is remembering our own for us, shame to you all in weather it' is NFA or nff which ever one you call your self yes shame to you all, and thank FIFA for doing what football body couldn't do , please muda may your soul continue to rest in peace.
What a great player, a hero, an inspiration to our younger generation. RIP