The Amuwo-Odofin community will soon bid farewell to one of its own Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper whose name is etched in Nigeria’s football history.
The family has announced that his burial will take place on Friday, 22 August, with preparations already in full swing. In true football fashion, a Valedictory Match is being planned in his honour, bringing together players, fans, and friends to celebrate his life on and off the pitch.
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association, is spearheading the tribute. The match is expected to hold on the same day as the burial, at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
PFAN says all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos will take part, appearing in their official kits. Divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs are also set to feature, making it a gathering of generations united by the game Rufai loved.
On July 30, PFAN officials visited the Rufai family home here in Amuwo Odofin to offer condolences and pledge support. The delegation, led by PFAN president Tajudeen Ajide, included former Nigerian internationals Clement Temile, Taju Disu, and Princewill Gbogbodu.
“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,” PFAN said in a statement after the visit.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dele Rufai described the visit as “timely and deeply comforting.”
Rufai, who passed away on 3 July, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the golden years of the 1990s — guarding the posts during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and representing the country at USA ’94 and France ’98 FIFA World Cups.
He began his football journey at Stationery Stores in Lagos before a successful career abroad, playing in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Even after hanging up his gloves, he continued to give back, working in youth football development and with national youth teams.
Further details on the funeral programme and match venue are expected in the coming days — but one thing is certain: Amuwo will stand still to honour our Dodo Mayana.