The family of football legend Peter Rufai has announced that the former Super Eagles goalkeeper will be laid to rest on Friday, August 22.
Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” died on July 3, sending shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond.
He was widely revered for his exploits during the golden era of Nigerian football in the 1990s.
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), during a condolence visit to the Rufai family home in Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos on Wednesday, urged the Lagos State Government, the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to honour the late sportsman with a farewell befitting a national hero.
“Peter Rufai served Nigeria with passion and pride. He deserves a state honour and a befitting farewell from the people he represented so well on the world stage,” PFAN said in a statement.
The delegation, led by Tajudeen Ajide and including former internationals such as Clement Temile, Taju Disu and Princewill Gbogbodu, described Rufai as a “patriotic, dedicated and totally committed servant” of the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Rufai’s brother, Dele Rufai, thanked PFAN for the visit and described it as “timely and deeply comforting.”
As part of the funeral programme, PFAN is collaborating with the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association to host a valedictory football match on August 22.
The event will likely be held at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium and will feature registered football clubs and academies in Lagos State, all dressed in their official kits.
Various chapters of All Stars International Football Clubs will also participate in the tribute match.
Peter Rufai’s football journey began at Stationery Stores FC in Lagos before he rose to national and international prominence.
He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country won and represented the nation at the USA ’94 and France ’98 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He also had a successful club career in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, becoming one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to play professionally in Europe.
After retirement, Rufai turned his focus to mentoring young talents and contributing to youth football development in Nigeria.
His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he worked occasionally with national youth teams and inspired a new generation of goalkeepers.
PFAN has called on all Nigerians to honour the memory of a man who guarded the nation’s goalposts with dedication and lifted its spirit through football.
