LAGOS- Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), has described the death of Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai as a personal loss.
Fatodu stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ‘Night of Tributes’ event held for Rufai and three other sports icons.
The event honoured Rufai and three others who passed away in the first half of 2025. It was organised by veteran sportsman Segun Odegbami.
It was sponsored by Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, and held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
Fatodu, speaking warmly about Rufai’s legacy, praised his role in supporting grassroots football development in Lagos.
“This is a time for sober reflection and, importantly, a celebration of individuals who impacted Nigeria’s sporting landscape,” Fatodu said.
He added that the best way to honour their memories is by celebrating their achievements and lasting influence on Nigerian sports.
Fatodu stressed the importance of supporting the families and ideals that the deceased sportsmen stood for during their lifetimes.
He noted that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu values their contributions, hence the state’s participation in the Night of Tributes.
Fatodu revealed that the Lagos government intends to use Rufai’s memory to inspire upcoming talents through sports development initiatives.
“Lagos State will make efforts to immortalise them. Rufai’s death feels like a personal loss to me,” Fatodu said.
He explained that Rufai regularly visited the LSSC to discuss grassroots football development and potential collaboration on related projects.
Fatodu said those discussions could now continue through Rufai’s foundation or with his family, to sustain his vision.
“We had a personal relationship until his death, and we’ll keep his dreams alive through ongoing partnerships,” he added.
NAN reports that the others honoured included Moses Effiong, MON (1959–2025), a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1980 AFCON winner.
Charles Bassey, MON (1954–2025), also played in Nigeria’s victorious 1980 AFCON squad.
Christian Chukwu (1951–2025) captained Nigeria’s Super Eagles to the 1980 AFCON title.
Obisia Nwakpa (1950–2025), nicknamed “Golden Gloves,” was a legendary boxer and Olympic competitor in the lightweight division.
Dignitaries at the Night of Tributes included Fatodu, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu, and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema.
Also present were Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member George Aluo and Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.
Other attendees included ex-Super Eagles players Etim Esin, Waidi Akanni, and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House, Lagos. (NAN)
