According to NewsVista, the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has left many Nigerians heartbroken — but none more so than Edmund Ebiware Opori, who shared a deeply personal and guilt-ridden tribute online.
In a moving Facebook post, Edmund revealed how Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” once gave him hope during one of the darkest chapters of his life — while he was unjustly imprisoned in Sokoto back in 2019.
“He encouraged me when I was in jail. I promised I’d visit him once I was free… but I never did,” Edmund wrote, still in tears over the news of Rufai’s death on July 3.
Calling procrastination “a thief,” Edmund expressed deep regret for not checking in sooner, noting that he had planned to visit Rufai in Lagos in just two weeks’ time. “We don’t need to get everything right before reaching out to those we care about,” he added.
Rufai, 61, is remembered not just for his legendary saves during the 1994 AFCON and World Cup, but for his warm personality and powerful presence off the pitch.
“He called me Don Edmundo. He had the vibe of a dragon — strong, kind, unforgettable,” Edmund wrote.
As tributes pour in across social media, one thing is clear: Peter Rufai’s legacy lives far beyond football.
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