Peter Obi Pays Emotional Visit to Honor Late Football Legend Peter Rufai in Lagos
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, paid an emotional condolence visit to the family of the late Nigerian football icon Peter Rufai on Saturday, August 23, at their Amuwo Odofin residence in Lagos. The visit, which came a day after Rufai’s burial on August 22, 2025, was marked by heartfelt tributes to the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” who passed away on July 3, 2025, at age 61 after a prolonged illness.
Accompanied by former international footballer Sylvanus Okpala, Obi spent nearly an hour with Rufai’s siblings, including his younger brother Bruce, who resides in Spain, and sisters Bosede and Dele. Obi expressed deep sorrow for the loss of one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, stating, “I’m here to say I’m very sorry about the passing of our great goalkeeper. I didn’t know about the date of the burial in time. I only knew about it yesterday, and I was in Abuja. I flew into Lagos this morning, and I’m here straight from the airport.” He added, “Please, be consoled. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”
The family was deeply moved by Obi’s gesture, with Bruce expressing gratitude: “We can’t thank you enough. We felt abandoned by the authorities. Your coming here is really consoling. It has lifted our spirits. Thank you, Your Excellency.” Some family members were visibly excited upon Obi’s arrival at the home, once the residence of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion. Obi signed the condolence register before departing, leaving a lasting impression on the grieving family.
Peter Rufai, celebrated for his heroics in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, died of cardiac arrest in a Lagos hospital, plunging the football community into mourning. His passing has sparked debates about Nigeria’s treatment of its sporting heroes, with former teammate Taribo West accusing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos State government of neglecting Rufai’s family. Obi’s visit, widely shared on X with posts like @Naija_PR’s “Peter Obi visited the family of late football legend Peter Rufai in Lagos to offer condolences,” underscored his call for national recognition of heroes like Rufai.
Fans and observers praised Obi’s gesture, with @PatrikoBayern posting, “God bless you sir Peter Obi… Despite everything you showed love care and appreciation to this man…your namesake Peter Rufai.” The visit also reignited discussions about Rufai’s legacy, with Obi noting on X, “Rest in power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana… May his legacy continue to inspire generations.”
As Nigeria continues to mourn Rufai, Obi’s visit has been hailed as a poignant reminder of the need to honor the country’s sporting legends, both in life and in death.