OBITUARY
Funeral Rites for Peter Rufai Begin Today
The final farewell for former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, begins today in Lagos. Family, friends, and the football community will gather to honour one of Nigeria’s most decorated shot-stoppers.
The programme, released by his family, details the opening of the ceremonies this Thursday. There will be a service of songs. The presentation of his biography will occur at the Raji Rasaki Estate field, Amuwo-Odofin. This event will take place from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday at the Catholic Church of Visitation, First Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
After the mass, Rufai will be laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery. On Sunday, which could have been his birthday, a thanksgiving service is scheduled. It will be held at the Catholic Church of Visitation.
Fondly nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers. He represented the country at two FIFA World Cups (1994 in the USA and 1998 in France) and was part of the golden generation that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
The 61-year-old, who died on 3rd July, is remembered not only for his commanding presence between the posts but also for his leadership and commitment to Nigerian football.
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OBITUARY
On the eve of Okwaraji’s death anniversary, Shooting Stars Assistant Coach Dies During Training in Ibadan
On the eve of the 36th anniversary of the tragic on-field death of Samuel Okwaraji, Nigerian football has been struck by another loss as Akin Olowokere, newly appointed assistant coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), collapsed and died during a training session on Monday morning in Ibadan.
Olowokere, who had only recently joined the club under newly appointed Technical Adviser Nurudeen Aweroro, reportedly collapsed mid-session. Efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful, and the club has not yet disclosed the cause of death.
In an official statement, 3SC paid glowing tribute to the late coach, describing him as more than just a tactician:
“Coach Olowokere was not only a dedicated and passionate football tactician, but also a mentor, friend, and father figure to the players and many others. He exhibited compassion during his short stint with the club and the wider football community. His commitment to the growth and success of our team was unwavering, as we hope his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”
The club also expressed solidarity with his loved ones, saying:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, players, and the entire Nigerian football family during this difficult time. We stand with them in prayers and solidarity, and we pray for the strength to bear this painful loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Olowokere’s appointment was part of 3SC’s efforts to reinforce their coaching structure ahead of the new NPFL campaign. His sudden passing comes as the football community in Nigeria reflects on the 1989 loss of Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Okwaraji, who collapsed and died during a World Cup qualifier in Lagos.
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Japanese boxing is in mourning after two fighters died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts on the same bill at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after a 12-round draw against OPBF junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2 and died on Friday following surgery for a subdural haematoma.
A day later, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died from the same injury after being knocked out by Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in a bid to save his life.
The Japanese Boxing Commission has responded by reducing all OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds.
The tragedies follow the death of Irish boxer John Cooney earlier this year from similar injuries sustained in the ring.
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Former West Germany striker and World Cup winner Frank Mill has died aged 67, the German FA (DFB) said on Tuesday.
The Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach player was part of the West Germany squad at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they lifted the trophy after a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the final.
German media said Mill suffered a heart attack in May shortly after getting in a taxi in Milan. He was later flown back to Germany but never recovered.
Born in Essen, Mill earned 17 caps and was part of his country’s squad that claimed bronze at the 1988 Olympic Games.
“We mourn the loss of Frank Mill, our 1990 world champion,” the DFB said in a statement. “Rest in peace, Frank. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Reuters
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