Peter Rufai: Nigerians Ask Questions After Last Public Image of Super Eagles Legend Goes Viral
- Nigerians are reacting to a viral image showing legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai looking frail before his death
- Fans and stakeholders have raised concerns about the welfare system for retired Nigerian footballers after his recent passing
- Rufai's death has reignited conversations about health insurance and support for athletes who represented their country
Nigeria continues to mourn the loss of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 61 following a prolonged illness.
Popularly known as Dodo Mayana, the 61-year-old was a commanding figure between the posts and one of the shining stars of Nigeria’s golden football generation.
Source: Getty Images
According to the BBC, Rufai earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles and played a pivotal role in Nigeria's historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, as well as their groundbreaking debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.
Born in Lagos, his legacy is etched in the hearts of millions. He was not just a safe pair of hands, but also a symbol of calm, confidence, and national pride.
His death marks another painful departure from the celebrated 1994 squad, a team that remains an iconic part of African football history.
Peter Rufai’s viral photo raises questions
While tributes continue to pour in, a recent photo showing Rufai in a visibly frail state before his passing has sparked a wave of concern and questions from Nigerians.
Source: Getty Images
The image, taken during what would be one of his final public appearances in a sit-down interview, has gone viral on social media, drawing emotional responses from fans, colleagues, and well-wishers alike.
UK-based lawyer Dele Olawanle, in a post on X, voiced what many Nigerians have been feeling, saying:
"If you are healthy, do look after yourself. It was sad seeing Peter Rufai this way before he passed. Is there any health insurance for former footballers like him, or is it something those still playing should think of?"
The public outcry has not just been about Rufai’s appearance, but also about the seeming lack of systemic care for Nigerian sports heroes after retirement.
Meanwhile, a member of the Nigeria supporters club, Tayo Ogunsolu, in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, chose not to fault the NFF for Rufai's condition.
"From the information I gathered, Peter Rufai was a very private man. He is not the type to bring his problems to the public to cry for help.
"It will be unfair to put the blame on the NFF for what has happened, although I would suggest they have a welfare support for ex-internationals."
Many fans are now asking: how does a national icon fade away in silence, battling illness without visible support?
Reactions to last footage of Peter Rufai
The viral image of Rufai in his final days has reignited conversations about the welfare of ex-footballers in Nigeria.
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions below:
Olufemi Adedotun tweeted:
“You can say this again, our ex footballers deserve more from this great country Nigeria.”
Ebong shared his concerns too:
“We have cried, begged & pleaded with everyone associated with football in Nigeria since, I can't remember, for footballers to have some kind of fallback plan. But even the footballers themselves have not shown interest. Many of them earned what many can only dream of.”
Who Does Dat questioned Rufai's appearance:
“What happened to him? He looked very ill.”
Oluwaloseyifunmi also posted:
“Nobody spoke up and they see him often, he is not looking healthy here at all.”
While these athletes once brought glory to the country, many face medical, financial, and emotional hardships after their careers end, often without proper support systems in place.
Peter Rufai’s final interview before death
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that veteran sports journalist, Godwin Enakhena, released an emotional video of the late Peter Rufai, where he stated his goal before his death.
The former chairman of the defunct MFM FC explained that the Super Eagles legend was desperate to publish his book, titled My Story, with plans to hold an launch in June.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
