Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and scores of Nigerian sports enthusiasts paid glowing tributes to late national sports legends on Monday at a commemorative event.

The ‘Night of Tributes’ was held in honour of four sportsmen who died in the first half of 2025.

The celebrated legends include Moses Effiong (born October 4, 1959 – died January 26, 2025), a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1980 AFCON winner in Lagos. Charles Bassey (June 2, 1954 – April 12, 2025) also played in the victorious 1980 AFCON squad. Christian Chukwu (January 24, 1951 – April 12, 2025) captained the Super Eagles to the 1980 African Cup of Nations title. Obisia Nwakpa (May 19, 1950 – June 3, 2025), famously known as ‘Golden Gloves’, was a veteran boxer and Olympic competitor in the lightweight division. Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana, August 24, 1963 – July 3, 2025) was the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper during the 1994 AFCON and Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup appearance.

The event was held at the National Institute for International Affairs on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by LSSC director-general Lekan Fatodu, praised the sportsmen’s contributions to Nigeria’s sports history. He said their sacrifices and achievements would forever remain etched in the hearts of Nigerians.

The governor described Mr Rufai as a cultural icon and first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.

Regarding Mr Nwakpa, the governor stated that the boxer left a profound impact on Nigerian boxing, both in and out of the ring.

Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, also paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen sports heroes. Mr Onyema urged the nation to honour athletes during their lifetimes to encourage longevity and recognition. He said he had personally rewarded some Nigerian athletes who represented the country at major global tournaments. He recalled that Nigerian athletes were denied participation at the 1976 Montreal Olympics due to Nigeria’s boycott, but now enjoy recognition.

George Aluo of the Nigeria Football Federation affirmed that the players’ contributions were deeply acknowledged.

Segun Odegbami, who initiated the event, expressed fulfillment over the successful staging of the Night of Tributes.

Other speakers included Rafiu Ladipo, president of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, and the families of the deceased icons.

(NAN)