The family of late former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has announced that his burial will take place on Friday, August 22.
Gatekeepers News reports that preparations are underway for the funeral, including a special tribute match in his honour.
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association, coordinates plans for a Valedictory Football Match to commemorate Rufai’s legacy.
The match is scheduled for the same day as the burial and is likely to be held at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium in Lagos.
PFAN stated that the tribute game will feature all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos, who are expected to appear in their official kits. Members of the All Stars International Football Clubs will also participate in the commemorative event.
The announcement was made during PFAN’s condolence visit to the Rufai family home in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, on July 30.
The delegation, led by Tajudeen Ajide, included former Nigerian football legends Clement Temile, Taju Disu, and Princewill Gbogbodu.
Speaking during the visit, Ajide noted that PFAN has begun discussions with key stakeholders to support the Rufai family and ensure the late goalkeeper receives a befitting farewell.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dele Rufai expressed heartfelt gratitude to PFAN, describing the visit as “timely and deeply comforting.”
Peter Rufai passed away on July 3. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the nation’s golden era in the 1990s, contributing significantly to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and representing the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Rufai began his professional career with Stationery Stores in Lagos before moving abroad to play in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retiring, he remained active in football through youth development initiatives and occasional work with Nigeria’s youth national teams.
Additional details regarding his funeral arrangements are expected to be released soon by the family and event organisers.
