Farewell to Icons: NFF Supports Final Rites for Chukwu and Rufai
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended financial and institutional support to the families of two iconic former Super Eagles captains — Christian Chukwu and Peter Rufai — for the organization of their final funeral rites.
Christian Chukwu, fondly known as ‘Chairman,’ passed away in Enugu on April 12, 2025. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Obe on Saturday following a week-long celebration of his life and legacy, which included a widely attended novelty match in Enugu.
Chukwu captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia. His coaching career also spanned international stints with Kenya and Lebanon.
The NFF was prominently represented at Chukwu’s final rites, with Chief George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League and member of the NFF Executive Committee, attending on behalf of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON).
The delegation also included Barrister Okey Obi, Director of Legal Services, and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association and former Nigeria international.
In a tribute delivered by Aluo, Gusau praised Chukwu’s lifelong dedication to Nigerian football and his role as a national sports ambassador.
At a Night of Tributes held in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah announced the retirement of Chukwu’s iconic number 5 jersey at Enugu Rangers and pledged support for 109 former players of the club. He also committed to working with the Federal Government and the NFF to immortalize Chukwu’s legacy.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the burial of Peter Rufai, popularly known as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ who will be laid to rest in Lagos on Friday.
Rufai captained Nigeria during its historic debut at the FIFA World Cup in 1994 and remains one of the most flamboyant and celebrated goalkeepers in the country’s history. His funeral rites will begin with a wake-keep on Thursday evening at his residence in Amuwo-Odofin, followed by a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation in Festac Town.
The NFF will also send a high-level delegation to honor Rufai at all three events leading to his internment. Rufai’s international career includes appearances at two FIFA World Cup finals and three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where he won one gold and two silver medals.
The NFF reiterates its commitment to honoring the legacies of Nigerian football heroes and supporting their families during moments of remembrance.
