FINAL WHISTLE: NIGERIA BIDS FAREWELL TO PETER RUFAI
Mohammed Tikka
It was a day of tears, memories, and respect as family, friends, football fans, and former teammates gathered at Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos to say goodbye to one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, Peter Rufai, who was laid to rest two days ago.
Before the burial, a touching funeral mass was held at the Catholic Church of Visitation in Festac Town. Emotions ran high as Rufai’s daughter, Confidence, delivered a heartfelt tribute, describing her father as a humble, stylish, and deeply caring man who left a lasting impact on his family and everyone who knew him.
Present at the burial were ex-internationals like Fanny Amun and Aloy Agu, football stakeholders, and representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which confirmed it supported the family both financially and morally. Former players and friends also praised the Lagos State Government and footballers like Odion Ighalo for standing by the family.
Though some had earlier questioned the support given to Rufai’s family, former international Waidi Akani cleared the air, saying the late goalkeeper was not abandoned.
A thanksgiving service followed on Sunday, rounding off the final journey of a man whose name will forever be remembered in Nigerian football history.
Peter Rufai, also known as “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and helped win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in Europe for top clubs and later set up a football academy to mentor young talents.
As he was laid to rest, one thing was clear: Rufai was more than a goalkeeper. He was a legend, a leader, and a role model whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
