Rufai, a member of the 1994 AFCON Super Eagles team that won the championship, died on July 3, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
During a “Night of Tributes” hosted by Segun Odegbami and supported by Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, Rufai was honored among three other Nigerian sports icons.
Prominent members of the country’s athletic community attended the event, which was hosted at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on Victoria Island.
Rufai’s unexpected death stunned many Nigerians, who were not informed of his sickness. Confidence explained that her father had desired total seclusion.
“I apologize to everyone who was offended by the secrecy. My father cherished his solitude. He genuinely relished living a quiet, reticent life.
He didn’t want his illness to become well-known. Instead of continuing to be in the spotlight due to his illness, he would like to die quietly.
To be honest, he was proud of his honor. He never tried to win over the public. He was content to keep quiet and calm even in the face of adversity.
“My father never boasted or tried to attract attention. He had a strong sense of self-respect. Confidence remarked, “I see that trait reflected in myself.”
Confidence talked about Rufai’s patriotism, calling him a devoted Nigerian who sacrificed all for his nation.
When attempting to describe someone who is remarkable, words frequently fall short. Nigerians would evaluate him according to what they believe he merited. I can’t find the right words to describe my dad. For many others, including ourselves, he served as a father figure.
He frequently reminded us that his responsibilities went beyond his family. He had a sense of duty to others who were less fortunate than us.
“How Nigeria can honor him is beyond my ability to quantify. He was uncompensable for his devotion to the nation,” she remarked.
Additionally, Confidence disclosed that preparations for Rufai’s funeral are in progress and would be made public shortly.
“A few of us have pursued his athletic career. My brothers are also participating. There might be more in due time.
“We inherit my dad’s peaceful disposition. We would like not be identified. We’ll eventually expose more.
“His burial date will be announced soon,” she stated.
Other honorees at the commemorative occasion included Moses Effiong, MON (Oct. 1959–Jan. 2025), an AFCON winner from 1980, according to NAN.
Another member of the 1980 AFCON-winning squad was Charles Bassey, MON (June 1954–April 2025).
Christian Chukwu led the 1980 AFCON Super Eagles team from January 1951 to April 2025.
Known as “Golden Gloves,” Obisia Nwakpa (May 1950–June 2025) was a well-known boxer and lightweight Olympic participant.
LSSC Director-General Lekan Fatodu, speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Allen Onyema, the chairman of Air Peace, were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Others were Segun Odegbami, Director of Communications Ademola Olajire, and representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation, including NNL Chairman George Aluo.
Former Super Eagles players Etim Esin, Waidi Akanni, Trinity House Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, and a number of others were also present. (NAN)
