Rufai’s Final Moments: Stakeholders Demand Reforms For Nigeria’s Forgotten Heroes
By VICTOR OKOYE
THE funeral of Nigerian football icon Peter Rufai in Lagos on Thursday drew sharp criticism over the absence of top officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1990s.
He played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and represented the country at two FIFA World Cups.
Report stated that the former goalkeeper began his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos before stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retirement, he dedicated himself to youth football development and occasionally lent support to national youth teams.
Inspite of his contributions to Nigerian football, no senior NFF or NSC representatives attended key memorial events, including the Service of Songs and Lying-in-State held at the Onikan Stadium.
Observers described their absence as disappointing and disrespectful to Rufai’s legacy and the nation’s football history.
Former Lagos FA Chairman, Waidi Akanni, said, “His service to the country deserved more than a ₦3 million cheque and silence.”
Etim Esin, former Super Eagles midfielder, similarly opined that “No top footballer will trust this system if we continue to treat legends like this.”
But NFF defended its role, saying it formally communicated condolences and provided financial support to Rufai’s family.
NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said, “A delegation was sent and support approved.”
Olajire explained that logistics and prior commitments prevented NFF President Ibrahim Gusau from attending personally.
However, stakeholders maintained that the physical presence of top football administrators was crucial to honouring a player of Rufai’s calibre.
They said that his contributions to Nigeria’s football history merited nothing less.
“The symbolism of showing up matters,” said former defender Taribo West. “This was a missed opportunity to honour a national hero.”
Beyond the funeral, stakeholders highlighted the lack of structured welfare for retired athletes in Nigeria.
They called for a professionally managed welfare fund backed by the NFF, clubs, private sponsors, and Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria(PFAN).
“Player welfare should be enshrined in a standing agreement—not subject to charity,” said PFAN President, Tijani Babangida.
Critics argue that FIFA and CAF grants earned through players’ efforts should fund retirement and welfare programmes.
“This is not a favour. It’s their right,” said Harrison Jalla, PFAN Board of Trustees Chairman. “What we lack is leadership to implement it.”
The ₦3 million provided to the families of Rufai and former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu was widely considered inadequate, given the financial resources available to the NFF.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Government reportedly approved ₦15 million in support for Rufai’s family, though the release of the funds was delayed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.
In the wake of the controversy, stakeholders urged unity among players, and called for reforms through a collective bargaining agreement with the NFF and the NSC.
They noted that only structured welfare measures could secure the dignity of past and present football heroes.
According to Jalla, “The time for reform is now.
“We must honour our past and protect Nigerian football’s future,” he added.
(NAN)
