Obi visits Peter Rufai’s family, says his ‘sacrifice for Nigeria shouldn’t go in vain’

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has paid a condolence visit to the family of Peter Rufai, the late Super Eagles captain and legendary goalkeeper.

Rufai, affectionately known as Dodo Mayana, passed away in July at the age of 61 after a long-term illness.

He was laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery on Friday.

During his visit to the family’s residence in Lagos, Obi advocated for the former Eagles captain to receive national recognition for his service to the country.

In a post on his official X account, the former presidential candidate stated that the country has a duty to honour citizens who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

Describing Rufai as “one of the finest players of his generation,” Obi argued that national heroes should be able to live with dignity in their lifetime and must not be forgotten in death.

Peter Rufai and the Burden of a Nation’s Neglect

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Today, I paid a condolence visit to the family of our late Green Eagles captain and celebrated goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in Lagos. He was one of the finest players of his generation – an icon whose heroics in goal brought pride to… pic.twitter.com/a9nm4lHTy3

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 23, 2025

“Today, I paid a condolence visit to the family of our late Green Eagles captain and celebrated goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in Lagos,” the post reads.

“He was one of the finest players of his generation – an icon whose heroics in goal brought pride to millions of Nigerians.

“Reading about the tragedy of most Nigerians, how some of them struggled to cater to their needs when challenged by misfortune, I am strengthened in my belief that we must all work together to create the Nigeria of our dreams, where service and sacrifice are honoured, where our heroes in all spheres of life are not forgotten, and where every citizen can live with dignity and security.

“In moments like this, we are reminded that a nation’s greatness is also measured by the value it places on those who gave their all for her.”

Obi concluded by stating that “Rufai belongs to this league of heroes, and it is our collective duty to ensure that their memories inspire us, and that their sacrifices are never in vain”.

Rufai’s death highlighted the plight of several ex-internationals who face significant health challenges without adequate support.

There were reports that he was among many former players who struggled to offset substantial medical bills, relying on assistance from various quarters.

Taribo West, Rufai’s former teammate, recently claimed the football authorities abandoned the goalkeeper during his illness.

West’s sentiments were echoed by other ex-internationals at a service of songs held for Rufai on Thursday.