Mudashiru Babatunde Agboluaje, Known as Muda Lawal the legendary Nigerian footballer, hailed from ijaiye Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was born in the town of Abeokuta on June 8, 1954, Lawal was a celebrated midfielder known for his skill, stamina, and significant contributions to Nigerian football.

“Muda Lawal” 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 (Muda omo Lawal). Hence, the adoption of Lawal as his surname; the appellation that stuck to him till his death.

Lawal’s football journey began when his talent was noticed while working as an automobile mechanic. His career took off in 1975 when he joined Shooting Stars F.C. of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prominent clubs. He was instrumental in helping Shooting Stars secure their first continental victory by winning the African Cup Winners Cup in 1976, marking the first time a Nigerian team won this title. Following a military directive that temporarily disbanded the club in 1985, Lawal rejoined Shooting Stars as a player-assistant coach after a four-year hiatus, further demonstrating his commitment to the team. Muda Lawal held the record of being Nigeria’s most capped player for 25 years, with 86 appearances and 12 goals, until Nwankwo Kanu equalled it in 2010 with Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama consequently breaking the record later on 101 appearances.

It has been forty years since Nigeria won her first African Nations Championship at the 1980 Africans Cup of Nations held at the National Stadium, Surulere.The Green Eagles led by late Brazilian coach, Otto Gloria, manhandled their Algerian counterpart 3 goals to nothing with first half brace from Olusegun Patrick Odegbami ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami and Nigeria’s finest midfielder Mudashiru Lawal.

Lawal’s contributions to Nigerian football were remarkable. He made his debut on the national team in 1975 and went on to earn 86 caps, scoring 12 goals. Notably, he set an African record as the only player to compete in five consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments from 1976 to 1984. His leadership on the field was pivotal in Nigeria’s historic win at the 1980 African Nations Cup, which was Nigeria’s first title in the tournament. Lawal also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics, showcasing his versatility and commitment.

Lawal played his last international game in 1985 against Zambia in the African Cup of Nations qualifier. He passed away on July 6, 1991, at his home. In honor of his contributions to Nigerian football, the Ashero Stadium in Abeokuta, his hometown, was renamed the Muda Lawal Stadium. His legacy lives on as one of Nigeria’s most respected and accomplished footballers.

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