Sports
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Rufai’s burial set for Aug, 22
The family of legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai has announced that the former international will be buried on August 22, with the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria calling for state honours befitting the iconic shot-stopper.
PFAN has issued a clarion call to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Football Federation to provide a ‘carnival-like, befitting burial’ for the former Super Eagles goalkeeper who gave distinguished service to the country.
The association emphasised that, “Rufai deserves nothing less than a carnival-like, befitting burial from the people of Nigeria and our great country” to show appreciation for “a patriotic, dedicated, and totally committed servant who gave his all in the line of duty for Nigeria.”
PFAN has specifically called on Governor Sanwo-Olu, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau to “brace up and support the Rufai family, who appear to have been abandoned after initial condolence visits.”NO
During a condolence visit to the family house at Amuwo Odofin Estate, Lagos, on Thursday, July 30, a PFAN delegation comprising ex-internationals and officials was present. The delegation included Clement Temile, 1st Vice President of PFAN; Taju Disu, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PFAN; and Princewill Gbogbodu, PFAN National Treasurer.
The visit was led by ex-international Tajudeen Ajide, former Surulere Local Government Chairman and PFAN Board of Trustees member.
Ajide strongly assured the family of support from the Lagos State Government and noted that the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, would also support the family.In response, the family, represented by Dele Rufai, expressed their appreciation, emphasising that the visit was timely and brought great relief to the family.
PFAN is currently working with the Lagos Sports Commission and the Lagos State Football Association to ensure that all registered football clubs and academies in Lagos State will dress in their official club kits to honour Peter Rufai at a Valedictory Football Match.
The event, organised by PFAN, is scheduled for August 22 and will be held at either Teslim Balogun Stadium or Onikan Stadium, depending on which venue is approved for the lying in state.
All divisions of the All Stars International Football Clubs in Lagos State are expected to attend the occasion.
Rufai, who passed away recently, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers and represented the country with distinction during his international career.
The seven-week program kicked off with a novelty match on June 21 and concluded with a vibrant championship match on July 26.
It offered structured football training and life mentorship to boys and girls from community-based teams, including participants from the Kids-Off-The-Street Shelter, the Jakande community, Lekki Soccer Academy and The Destiny Trust Foundation.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in weekly technical drills, team-building exercises, and competitive matches, while also receiving mentorship focused on leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
Programe coordinator at Pistis Foundation, Saheed Adenwkan said, “Beyond the matches and goals, our goal is transformation. These kids now see themselves as more than their backgrounds—they see possibilities.
The championship match marked the culmination of the intensive training in ball control, tactical play, fitness, and shooting.
In a thrilling final, Jakande FC Boys clinched the U-13 male trophy, while the KOTS Ladies emerged champions in the female U-13 category.
Executive Director at Pistis Foundation, Leonard Thomas, stressed their commitment to sustainable solutions.
“The Wings Academy Football Programme reflects our commitment to community transformation through youth development.
“With the support of our partners and volunteers, we’ve built more than a program—we’ve sparked dreams.”
Adequate funding is vital for Athletics to prevent the escalating trend of Nigerian athletes seeking citizenship in other countries for greater opportunities.
This call was made during a press conference addressed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, after Day 1 of the All Nigeria Athletics Trials at Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex on Friday.
In his address, Okowa made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian business community and the federal government, stressing the need for urgent funding to support Athletics and enable Nigerian athletes to remain in the country rather than seeking funding abroad for training and participation in sports
According to Okowa, Nigeria’s Athletics requires more funding for training, traveling, Welfare, sports participation and competitions both in the country and abroad.
The AFN president in particular mentioned top female athlete Favour Ofili who is seeking Turkey’s Nationality following her inability to get funds, ” Favour Ofili is almost gone, and more athletes are about to seek other nations nationality and the drift should stop through adequate funding for Athletics by the sponsors and the Federal government.
Regarding the performance of top Nigerian athletes at the ongoing All Nigeria Athletics Trials, Okowa stated that the athletes are doing well, especially the female athletes, and emphasized that the male athletes are also performing impressively.
He noted that the male athletes are achieving remarkable times at the trials. He said his goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s Relay Teams qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September.
He stressed that additional funding is necessary to achieve this, but assured that Nigeria’s relay teams are expected to qualify.
The AFN president thanked Arise News, Premium Trust Bank, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for providing financial support for the All Nigeria Athletics Trials in Lagos, and urged well-meaning and sports-loving Nigerians to support athletics and athletes in Nigeria. Okowa addressed the media flanked by the AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon, two top athletes, and Kola Aderibigbe, the federation’s honorary board member.
Nigeria’s sprinting scene witnessed a dramatic shake-up yesterday of the 2025 National Athletics Trials at Yaba College of Technology, as Israel Okon stormed to victory in the men’s 100 metres final with a blazing time of 10.04 seconds.
Okon edged past Alaba Akintola, who clocked 10.05 seconds, while Adekalu Fakorede finished third in 10.07 seconds. The final was fiercely contested, with just 0.16 seconds separating the top seven sprinters. Seye Ogunlewe (10.09), Olaolu Olatunde (10.15), James Taiwo Emmanuel (10.16), and Enoch Adegoke (10.20) rounded out the lineup in what was one of the most competitive 100m finals in recent national trials history.
An elated Okon, who is popularly known as “Aleka” by his fans, expressed pride in his performance. “I’m very happy right now to be the national champion,” he said shortly after the race.
“I think this is my second time winning a national title, I won the 200m last year, but this is my first 100m title, so it means a lot.”
When asked about the possibility of representing Nigeria at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Okon remained cautiously optimistic. “It depends on my teammates and whatever decisions the government takes,” he said. “But I believe anything is possible.”
Looking ahead, Okon credited his coach, Ken, for his development and said his focus now is on preparation. “Coach Ken trains me a lot, and I’m confident I’ll be ready for Tokyo.”
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