Super Eagles Legends, Dignitaries Attend Late Rufai’s Service Of Songs, Public Presentation Of Biography

Former Nigeria internationals, top dignitaries, family and friends were present at the service of songs and public presentation of the biography of late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai.

The event took place at the Raji Rasaki Estate Field, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Present at the event were Taribo West, Joseph Yobo, Samson Siasia, Friday Ekpo, Friday Elahor, Waidi Akanni, Monday Odiaka and Austin Eguavoen.

Also at the event were Group Managing Director, Complete Communications Limited (CCL) Dr. Mumini Alao, renowned sports journalist Deji Omotoyinbo, president, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications , Ademola Olajire, members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club and Stationary Stores Supporters Trust, Coker/Aguda chapter.

The service of songs commwnced with a mass which was celebrated by a Catholic priest.

After the mass, individuals gave tributes to the late Rufai. Among those who gave tributes include Rufai’s younger brother Bruce Rufai, his daughter Confidence Rufai, Eguavoen and Dr. Ladipo.

The public presentation of Rufai’s biography took place after the tributes and it was anchored by Dr. Alao, who revealed that there will be a proper launching of the book in a later date.

Dr. Alao disclosed that proceeds from the book will be given to the family of Rufai.

Rufai Was Someone You Can Count On In Goal  –Ekpo

In a chat with Completesports.com, at the event, former midfielder Ekpo said words cannot describe his feelings concerning the death of Rufai.

“I want to say everyone of us that have come out today is for Peter Rufai for the good things he has done for the country, for himself and for Lagos State in particular and for all of us because we were so close.

“For us losing him is a painful thing and we just have to be for him at the last moment of his time so that’s why we are all here and say to our dear friend good buy till we meet.

“I don’t really know how to describe how I felt when I got the news. When I got the news I was so shocked because two days before then somebody had called me and ask me if I had called Rufai that he is sick and it’s not possible that he will be sick and I wouldn’t know and when he died I was like so this sickness was serious. And one thing I think we ourselves need to be doing now is to tell ourselves what is wrong with us and how we can find help at that time.

“Before I came across him I had been seeing him even when he was in Stationary Stores I saw him and once he is in the goal post you find it difficult to score him because he talks, he commands, he directs and he place you where you need to be at the right time.

Also Read: Legacy Of Peter Rufai | Nigeria’s Legendary Goalkeeper Who Paved The Way

“So when I came across him in the national team I was like before our opponent will score us it will take them time. He was someone you can count on though he makes mistakes too but his mistakes in goal were very rare.”

Rufai Was Different From Other Super Eagles Goalkeeper   –Elahor

Super Eagles left winger Elahor told Completesports.com that there will never be a goalkeeper in Nigeria like Rufai.

“Peter Rufai was my friend and we were in camp together and we played for the national team together. We will miss Peter Rufai because he was a great man, a great goalkeeper and one of the best goalkeepers in Africa and it is a great loss to football circle in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“We are here to celebrate with the family, last time we were in his house for condolence and tomorrow (Friday) we will be there to pay the final respect, we will miss the great Dodomayana.

“He was my senior both in age and in the national team and when I met him in camp in 1986 he welcomed very well, after the Flying Eagles we were invited to the Super Eagles camp.

“Like I said he was a great man who does not like trouble, or stress, he always make people laugh in camp so I think we will miss everything about him and I just pray that may his soul Rest In Peace.

“I don’t think we can see someone like Peter Rufai again, he’s different from every other goalkeeper. He was so confident about himself, a great keeper and when you have such keeper behind you, you don’t have to be scared because he was always there for you.”

My Heart Is Bleeding  –Taribo West

According to legendary defender Taribo :”A big vacuum created in the circle of football fraternity especially for our nation and also the African continent and black race. My heart is bleeding, I don’t have the words to express his capacity or enormous input to the footballing world, in Nigeria and in Africa.

“I’m just happy to be here and I can see some of my old contemporaries and I’m here to share the burdens and the pains with the family. To me it’s disheartening to have Lagos State and the Nigeria Football Federation who dropped the buck on the family.

“My mother passed on I never shed tears, my father passed on in my hands I never shed tears but when Rufai passed on I had goose pimples on my body. What kind of nation is this? In this kind of example they have shown in Yisa Shofoluwe, in Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini I will never advice even my son put his feet for this country.

“Do we have a football federation or is there a football association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier had to be treated this way and his family. Could you imagine that the family would be crying to solicit within our group to ask for money.”

I’m Happy That I’m His Brother  –Bruce Rufai

Rufai’s younger brother Bruce, also spoke about his late brother.

“Peter’s death is a great loss to me not only to Nigerians. He was a great advocate, he was a great mentor and I remember when I was coming up as a goalkeeper and how he taught me how to keep the ball, how to go on the floor. We lost a great mentor, a great father, a great friend, a great football player and a legend.

“I’m happy that I’m is brother and on behalf of my family I say thank you to all Nigerians all over the world for the great support given to my late brother.”

My Memorable Encounter With Rufai In A League Clash In 1983  –Monday Odiaka

Also, former Flying Eagles star striker
Odiaka added:”We thank God almighty for a life well spent and we pray that as he is going God should accept his soul and he should Rest In Peace.

“When we were in the national team together we use to call him Rufi Joe and we’ve been friends for years though not in the same team at club level but anytime we meet we embrace, we crack jokes and also we talk about life.

“One memorable game I can remember about Rufai was ACB and Stationary Stores in 1983, it was a game we played with all our lives but we lost.”

Meanwhile, the funeral mass for Rufai will take place at Catholic Church of Visitation, at First Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos. Interment will follow immediately after the funeral mass at Ikoyi Cemetery.

Then on Sunday, there will be thanks giving service at Catholic Church of Visitation.

By James Agberebi