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How Tunde Bakare Tried to Save Goalkeeper’s Life, Shares Fond Memories, Peter Rufai’s ‘Best Man’s Speaks
Former Stationery Stores midfielder and Peter Rufai’s best man, Godwin Obiyan, has paid a touching tribute to the late Super Eagles legend, revealing intimate moments from their long-standing friendship and an emotional attempt by Pastor Tunde Bakare to save Rufai’s life.
In an interview in Lagos, Obiyan recounted their bond as teammates between 1981 and 1984, describing Rufai not just as a fellow player, but as family.
“It was heartbreaking when I heard the news. We were incredibly close. We did everything together—trained, ate, even slept in each other’s homes. On match days at Onikan, all the boys would gather in my one-room apartment. I’d cook and serve them. Peter wasn’t just a teammate; he was a brother,” Obiyan said.
He also revealed that he was the best man at Rufai’s wedding, underscoring the depth of their relationship.
“I played a key role in him marrying his wife. I stood beside him as his best man. That tells you how close we were,” he said.
Obiyan then shared a poignant account of how Pastor Tunde Bakare, founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Lagos, tried to save Rufai when he appeared unwell during a private visit concerning a planned book launch.
“Pastor Bakare saw him after service and invited him into a private room. He sensed something was wrong and immediately arranged to take him to the hospital. Doctors worked on him for six to eight hours. That was the last we heard from Peter—his phone stopped ringing. No one could reach him after that day,” he said.
Describing Rufai as deeply private, Obiyan said that the former goalkeeper rarely opened up about his health or personal issues.
“He carried a lot in silence. He was cheerful in public, always laughing, but he never shared his problems. That was who he was,” he said.
Peter Rufai, who passed away recently, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
A two-time FIFA World Cup participant (1994 and 1998), he captained the Super Eagles, and the only Goalkeeper to score in an open for the Super Eagles.
He left an indelible mark on Nigerian football with his heroics and special performances within the sticks.
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