TWENTY years ago, exactly July 6, 1991, when the news of the death of ex-Green Eagles midfielder, Mudasiru Babatunde Lawal, filtered through, most people, at first, did not believe that the ever-smiling Muda could be dead. He was young, hale and hearty, neither was he involved in any automobile accident, but before the dusk of that fateful day, the news of the demise of the midfield maestro was confirmed.

Though known as Mudasiru Lawal throughout his playing career, the late midfielder’s name was actually Mudasiru Babatunde Agboluaje. The name Lawal came from his mentor, who introduced him to football. When he started playing football, he was referred to by fans and playmates as Muda, Lawal’s boy (Mudasiru omo Lawal). Hence, the adoption of Lawal as his surname; the appellation that stuck to him till his death.

Known for his creativity, composure in the heart of the midfield and knack for goal scoring, Haji Shiru as he was fondly called, never went to any football academy before he broke into football limelight in Nigeria. Formerly an automobile mechanic, the late Muda Lawal began his football career with the then IICC Football Club of Ibadan at the age of 21 and had his playing career span 16 years. He started his career in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital with IICC, then moved to Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, and Abiola Babes FC of Abeokuta, before returning to his first club which had been rechristened Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Football Club as player/ assistant coach.

According to football analysts who had the opportunity of watching him live, Nigeria has not produced another player in his class. His contribution to the game made the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in 2003, confer on him a posthumous award for football development on the continent. Then, he still held the record of five consecutive appearances at the African Cup of Nations, the biggest biennial football showcase in Africa. This simply means that Muda was on top of his game for 10 years that he usually made the list for Nigeria's final team in the days when selection of players into the national team was based purely on performances.

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/features/24583-20-years-after-remembering-muda-lawal-nigerias-all-time-best-midfielder

"Nigeria’s All-time Best Midfielder"

RFLMAO! When would we be honest with ourselves for once? How come NO one recognized him internationally, even within Africa?

[quote
author=phreakabit]"Nigeria’s All-time Best Midfielder"

RFLMAO! When would we be honest with ourselves for once? How come
NO one recognized him internationally, even within
Africa?[/quote] he is the best better than jayjay okocha

sunday 6 july will make it 23 years since muda lawal died