Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, Peter Obi, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late football icon, Peter Rufai, at their Amuwo Odofin residence in Lagos on Saturday morning. The veteran goalkeeper—fondly known as Dodo Mayana—was laid to rest on Friday.
Obi, accompanied by former international footballer Sylvanus Okpala, spent about an hour with Rufai’s grieving family. He was received by Rufai’s younger brother, Bruce, who had returned from Spain for the funeral, as well as sisters Bosede and Dele. Obi expressed deep regret over missing the burial, saying:
“I didn’t know about the date of the burial in time. I only found out yesterday when I was in Abuja. I flew in this morning straight from the airport. I would have attended the burial if I had known.”
He offered condolences, praised Rufai’s legacy, and prayed for the family’s strength and the late goalkeeper’s peaceful rest. He concluded with: “Please be consoled. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”
Bruce Rufai welcomed the gesture, sharing that the family’s spirits were lifted by Obi’s visit:“We can’t thank you enough… We felt abandoned by the authorities. Your coming here is really consoling. It has lifted our spirits. We are honoured by your presence, Your Excellency.”
Peter Rufai earned national acclaim during Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory and standout performances at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, cementing his status as one of the country’s revered sports personalities.
