Peter Obi Mourns Late Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Decries Neglect of Nigeria’s Sporting Heroes
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, visited the Amuwo Odofin residence of the late Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, on Saturday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the football icon’s passing and the nation’s recurring neglect of its sporting heroes. Obi, visibly somber, was accompanied by former Super Eagles star Sylvanus Okpala during the condolence visit.
Obi revealed he only learned of Rufai’s burial date on Friday while in Abuja, prompting him to fly to Lagos early Saturday and head straight from the airport to the Rufai family home. He was warmly received by Rufai’s siblings, Bruce, Bosede, and Dele, who expressed gratitude for his presence. Obi offered condolences, prayed for the repose of Rufai’s soul, and urged the family to find strength in their grief.
“I’m here to say I am very sorry about the passing of our great goalkeeper,” Obi said. “I didn’t know about the burial date in time. I only heard yesterday and came here straight from the airport. Please be consoled. May his soul rest in peace.”
Bruce Rufai, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed appreciation for Obi’s gesture, noting it lifted their spirits amid feelings of abandonment by authorities. “We can’t thank you enough. We felt abandoned, but your coming here is consoling. We are honoured by your presence, Your Excellency,” he said.
Obi, who spent about an hour with the family, signed the condolence register and shared moments of reflection. Speaking afterward, he lamented Nigeria’s pattern of neglecting its sports icons. “Rufai was a celebrated goalkeeper and a captain of the Eagles. He was one of the finest players of his generation. I feel pain at how our nation continues to neglect those who gave their best in service,” Obi said. “This neglect reflects a troubling pattern in how we treat our sportsmen and heroes.”
The visit highlighted ongoing discontent among former internationals. Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen criticized football authorities for failing to support the Rufai family, with West stating he would not allow his son to play for Nigeria. However, Waidi Akanni, former Lagos FA chairman, claimed the Lagos State government had “done fantastically well,” alleging that about N20 million was raised for the family.
The Rufai family swiftly refuted this claim, stating they received only N3 million from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and some contributions organized by Akanni, but nothing close to N20 million from the Lagos State government. “We may need Waidi to clarify things,” the family said.
More photos below.
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