The remains of Nigerian football icon Peter Rufai will be laid to rest on Friday, August 22, 2025, as the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), is working with the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association to organise a Valedictory Football Match
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on July 3, 2025 sending shockwaves through the football community across the globe.
The match is expected to be held at Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium and will feature all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos State, all kitted in their official colours, while various divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs will also participate in the tribute game.
Penpushing further reports that Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), in a press statement, has called on the Lagos State Government, National Sports Commission, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to honour Rufai with a send-off worthy of a national hero.
The statement issued by the association after a condolence visit to the Rufai family home in Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos, described the deceased as a patriotic, dedicated, and totally committed servant of the nation.
Penpushing also reports that the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) urged authorities to give the late shot-stopper a carnival-like farewell, stressing that he served Nigeria with passion
“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’, the association emphasized.
Penpushing reports that the condolence visit on July 30,2025 was led by Tajudeen Ajide accompanied by notable ex-internationals which include Clement Temile, Taju Disu, and Princewill Gbogbodu.
The team during the visit, assured the family of ongoing support, stating that the association is already in contact with relevant authorities to ensure the late goalkeeper’s legacy is properly celebrated.
Penpushing further reports that Dele Rufai, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and deeply comforting.
The record has it that the deceased was a widely respected figure, and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the country’s golden football years in the 1990s, who played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and featured prominently in two FIFA World Cup tournaments — USA ’94 and France ’98.
Penpushing also reports that Rufai’s journey in football began at Lagos-based Stationery Stores, and he quickly rose to national prominence, and beyond his time with the Super Eagles, he had a successful club career in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, becoming one of Nigeria’s earliest goalkeeping exports to Europe.
The late Rufai, in retirement dedicated his time to youth development and football advocacy, mentoring aspiring goalkeepers and occasionally worked with national youth teams, while his charisma, discipline, and enduring love for Nigerian football made him a beloved figure both on and off the pitch.
Penpushing further reports that more details regarding the burial arrangements and the tribute match are expected in the coming days.
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