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Again, Dikko, Gusau Shun Peter Rufai’s Final Moments

Prince Harrison Jalla

NIGERIA: In the four organized events leading to Peter Rufai’s final home journey, no principal officers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) were present. These events—the Service of Songs, the Funeral Mass, the Lying-in-State at Onikan Stadium, and the final procession at the Ikoyi Cemetery—deserved the presence of top officials.

For the status of Peter Rufai and Christian Chukwu in the service of their fatherland, nothing short of the physical presence of the President of the NFF and the Chairman of the NSC would have sufficed. Their absence is inexcusable and exposes the Federal Government to unnecessary attacks and ridicule. Anything short of proper representation at such occasions paints a gloomy picture for the future of Nigerian sports.

No matter how famous or wealthy a sportsman or woman is—whether current or retired—there exists a conventional duty of care, both moral and financial, particularly for those who served this nation meritoriously.

The financial duty of care is a shared responsibility among various stakeholders. In football, this includes the NFF, PFAN, clubs, and the private sector. Where a collective bargaining agreement exists, it should serve as a permanent structure, run by professional financial managers, to prevent the constant embarrassments we witness repeatedly.

The moral duty of care demands empathy, solidarity, and compassion at such auspicious occasions from the appropriate authorities and their principal officers.

It is worth noting that the bulk of the funds flowing into football globally—generated by FIFA and distributed annually to all member federations and CAF—comes through the activities of professional footballers. These players are entitled to a percentage of such funds for welfare programs through their unions. This is not a favour but a rightful entitlement, and it only requires competent leadership to implement.

Unfortunately, the glimmer of hope once seen in the appointment of Shehu Dikko—who seemed to understand these matters—has faded. After almost a year in office without an NSC Board, and with promised reforms in the NFF turning into a mirage, the situation is very worrisome.

How can the NFF insult the families of Peter Rufai and Christian Chukwu with a paltry donation of ₦3 million each? While a staff member of the NFF is allegedly earning $10,000 monthly and principal officers receive huge estacode allowances during foreign trips. With FIFA and CAF inflows more than sufficient, it is shameful that no percentage is committed to player welfare.

Shehu Dikko must urgently take the lead in protecting the image of the Federal Government. A government that has shown appreciation to athletes—by giving $50,000 each, houses, and national honours to female football and basketball teams—clearly means well. But indiscretion and poor service delivery by sports administrators are undermining these good intentions.

Kudos must go to all who directly and indirectly supported the Rufai family: PFAN, Lagos Legends Club, NFF, Owu Sports, Monmichele Sports Facilities, Lagos State FA, Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Government, which approved ₦15 million for the Rufai family (though bureaucracy delayed the release of funds).

Special appreciation goes to the amiable Ex-International and former Lagos FA Chairman, leader of the Lagos Legends Club, Waidi Akanni, who did a yeoman’s job to ensure a befitting burial for his late bosom friend, Peter Rufai. Gratitude also goes to the Chairman of the Nigeria Supporters Club, Reverend Ikpea, President General Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, and the many Ex-Internationals who attended the events—the Service of Songs, the Valedictory Football Match at Onikan Stadium, and the final procession at Ikoyi Cemetery. PFAN and the Lagos Legends Club ensured all donations went directly into the accredited Rufai family account.

The outbursts of Taribo West and Etim Esin were simply reactions in the heat of the moment. No group of professionals will remain oppressed, deprived, and marginalized forever—especially in a field they devoted their lives to. More such reactions will come until justice is done.

There are lessons here: all current and retired footballers must unite under one umbrella. Player welfare is not solely the duty of the NFF or NSC—it lies primarily with PFAN. The earlier the NFF and NSC formally enter into a collective bargaining agreement with PFAN to manage its own affairs, the better for the image of the Federal Government.

The time for reform in Nigerian football is now. The upcoming 2026 NFF elections cannot even hold, as the 2022 elections remain a subject of litigation.

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