Football, for me, is more than a game, it’s a way of life. Maybe it’s the emotions, the passion, the memories it creates. As a proud Liverpool FC fan, I can boldly say, I never walk alone.
But on Thursday, I felt very alone. I saw the news on Facebook and I wished, hoped, prayed that it wasn’t true. I waited, expecting to hear that he survived. But the confirmation came, and my heart sank.
Diego Jota is gone.
And then, not long after, Peter Rufai too.
Football is bleeding.
How do you explain this? Win two trophies, get married, and then die, all within two months? Life can be painfully cruel. Our number 20, the one who gave us hope in dying minutes, who brought joy to the fans with those late winners… is no more.
Every time I see Jota’s picture, I think of the young family he left behind. The kids… the wife. It’s heartbreaking.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we lost Peter Rufai too; one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers. A legend stops goals. A man who gave everything for his country.
I’m still short of words. Just pain and memories.
Rest in peace, Jota.
Rest in peace, Peter.
You may be gone, but your footprints remain on the pitch and in our hearts.
#RIPLegend
#RIPJOTA
#RIPPRUFAI
#YNWA
