Nigerian commentator Reno Omokri has criticised Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for suggesting that Nigeria failed to adequately care for former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away recently.
Obi, in a public statement, described Rufai’s death as a reminder of the “burden of a nation’s neglect” of its sporting heroes.
His remarks sparked reactions across social media, where tributes have continued to pour in for the former footballer.
However, Omokri strongly disagreed with Obi’s position. In a lengthy statement on Monday, he argued that Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” was neither abandoned nor owed by Nigeria.
According to Omokri, the former goalkeeper received full payment for his services to the national team and also benefited from generous financial rewards during the Abacha regime.
“Peter Rufai and his teammates were not neglected. They were well paid and even received cash gifts and properties from the government,” Omokri said.
He further added that Rufai had a successful professional career in Europe where he earned substantial income.
Omokri also used the opportunity to urge Nigerian athletes to adopt long-term financial planning.
He suggested that sports professionals should invest in voluntary pension schemes during their active years to avoid financial struggles in retirement.
The political commentator accused Obi of attempting to “politicise” Rufai’s passing, likening the remarks to an effort to score cheap political points.
“Rather than blaming Nigeria for his death, attention should be focused on encouraging athletes to plan their finances responsibly,” Omokri added.
The Federal Government has yet to formally respond to the debate. Meanwhile, football fans and former teammates continue to celebrate Rufai’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, who represented the Super Eagles in two FIFA World Cups and played professionally in Spain, Portugal, and Belgium.
Rufai’s death has reignited conversations about the welfare of ex-athletes in Nigeria, with many calling for stronger structures to support players after retirement.
