PETER RUFAI TO BE LAID TO REST AUGUST 22 AS PFAN CALLS FOR STATE HONOURS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The late Nigerian football legend, Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” will be laid to rest on Friday, August 22, as his family concludes burial arrangements for the iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper.

Rufai, who passed away on July 3, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the golden era of the 1990s and a key figure in the Super Eagles’ victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

In honour of his immense contributions to Nigerian football, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) is calling on the Lagos State Government, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give Rufai a national send-off befitting his legacy.

“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 stated in a press release.

The association made this call following a condolence visit to the Rufai family residence in Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos, on July 30. The PFAN delegation, led by Tajudeen Ajide, included ex-internationals Clement Temile, Taju Disu, and Princewill Gbogbodu.

During the visit, Mr Ajide assured the family of continued support and revealed that PFAN is already liaising with key authorities to ensure Rufai’s legacy is honoured. Speaking on behalf of the family, Dele Rufai expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the visit as “timely and deeply comforting.”

As part of the funeral rites, 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, expected to take place at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium, will feature all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos, donning their official kits. Divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs will also participate in the tribute match.

Peter Rufai’s football journey began at Lagos-based Stationery Stores before launching a successful club career in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He was among Nigeria’s pioneering goalkeepers in European football.

In retirement, Rufai remained dedicated to the game, working in youth development and mentoring aspiring goalkeepers. He occasionally supported national youth teams and became a prominent advocate for grassroots football.

Widely respected for his charisma, discipline, and enduring love for the sport, Rufai is remembered as more than a goalkeeper he was a symbol of national pride and excellence.

Further details about the burial programme and the tribute events are expected to be released in the coming days.

PFAN has called on Nigerians across all walks of life to unite in paying final respects to a man whose hands once defended the dreams of a nation.