- NIGERIA’S LEGENDARY GOALKEEPER PETER RUFAI GOES HOME AUGUST 22ND – ACCORDING TO FAMILY SOURCES
By
Princewill Harrison Jalla
This is a clarion call to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Iconic ex-international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, deserves nothing less than a carnival-like, befitting burial from the people of Nigeria and our great country. This is to show our appreciation for a patriotic, dedicated, and totally committed servant who gave his all in the line of duty for Nigeria.
We therefore call on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Shehu Dikko; and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, to brace up and support the Rufai family—who appear to have been abandoned after initial condolence visits.
On a condolence visit to the family house at Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos, on Thursday, 30th July 2025, a PFAN delegation made up of ex-internationals and officials was present. The delegation included:
• Clement Temile, 1st Vice President of PFAN,
• Taju Disu, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PFAN,
• Princewill Gbogbodu, PFAN National Treasurer,
and was led by ex-international Tajudeen Ajide, former Surulere Local Government Chairman, a PFAN Board of Trustees member and South-West leader of PFAN.
Yours sincerely was also part of the delegation.
During the visit, Hon. Ajide strongly assured the family of support from the Lagos State Government and noted that the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, would also support the family.
In response, the family, represented by Dele Rufai, expressed their appreciation. She emphasized that the visit was timely and brought great relief to the family.
PFAN is currently working with the Lagos Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association to ensure that all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos State will dress in their official club kits to honour Peter Rufai at the Valedictory Football Match. This event, organized by PFAN, is scheduled for 22nd August 2025 and will be held at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium, depending on which venue is approved for the lying in state.
All divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs in Lagos State are expected to attend this honourable occasion.
Prince Harrison Jalla
