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Tag: Peter Rufai

  • ‘Peter Rufai will never be forgotten’

    ‘Peter Rufai will never be forgotten’

    Nigeria’s Pillars of Sports Chief Donatus  Agu-Ejidike (JP) has said he will collaborate with the family of the late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai to keep the legacy of the departed hero.

    ‎Agu-Ejidike stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late icon, who died at the age of 61 in July.

    ‎Agu-Ejidike, who was at their Amuwo Odofin residence in Lagos to sympathise with them, was received by Peter Rufai’s younger brother, Bruce Sunny Rufai, his sisters and other members of the family.

    Read Also: Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai

    ‎The Pillars of Sports, who prayed for the soul of the deceased and the family, described the former goalkeeper as a dedicated and devoted player who brought glory to the country and Africa at large.

    ‎”We will continue to relate with you. Peter has done well for the country, and he will never be forgotten. We pray that sudden death will not happen in your family again,” Agu-Ejidike said.

    ‎Speaking on behalf of the family, Bruce thanked Agu-Ejidike for the visit as he said that the family would be ready to collaborate with him in the best way to honour their late brother.

    ‎Bruce said his late brother had an undying love for the country, stating that the former goalkeeper chose to come back to Nigeria after his footballing career to contribute to the development of Sports in the country when he had the opportunity to stay back in Belgium.

  • Mixed emotions as ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai laid to rest in Lagos

    Mixed emotions as ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai laid to rest in Lagos

    It was a day of mixed emotions as family, friends, teammates, and well-wishers gathered at the Catholic Church of Visitation, 1st Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos, on Friday, August 22, for the burial ceremony of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.

    The ceremony was filled with tributes for the late Nigerian football legend, remembered not only for his heroics on the pitch but also for the impact he made in the lives of those closest to him. 

    The officiating priest, Father Simon Okezin, in his homily, charged the congregation to be mindful of their actions on earth as the time of death remains uncertain. 

    He also urged the government to improve the quality of living in the country by providing better basic amenities such as hospitals, stressing that such facilities are vital to improving people’s well-being and reducing preventable deaths.

    Among the many tributes, Rufai’s daughter, Confidence Rufai, spoke emotionally about her late father’s character, describing him as a strict but meticulous man who valued excellence above everything else. 

    Read Also: Association consoles Peter Rufai’s family

    “He’s a disciplinarian, someone who is meticulous. I keep telling people that the man was a private man. He’s very private. He’s strict. He’s uptight. He likes things to be done and done well. If it has to be done, then it has to be done perfectly well. He doesn’t like lapses in whatever it is that he’s doing. He just likes it on point,” she said.

    Confidence added that the memories of her father would be impossible to quantify. 

    “Things to miss are not things you can just count. They are memories. There’s a whole lot, So there are too many things to be missed. And he will be greatly missed.”

    Former teammate and ex-international, Sylvanus “Quicksilver” Okpala, also shared fond memories of Rufai, recalling their early years together and how their bond grew as teammates in the national team. “I knew Peter Rufai as far back as 1978. Then I was in Green Eagles, in Flying Eagles, they call it Junior Eagles. We were camping at the National Stadium, National Institute for Sports, that was where we camped, and Peter Rufai came, we used to go and watch the Laffa League then in Suruler, whenever top teams like Storrs, NEPA, Police Officers, and Levantis were playing, they allowed us to go and watch, that was when I first saw him,” he recounted.

    Okpala went on to recall their meeting in the senior national team, the Green Eagles. 

    “I met him finally in 1981, around November, December, when he joined us, when we went to the 1982 Nation’s Cup, he was our third goalkeeper, that was where I met him properly, we became very close, a nice guy, he was a nice guy, good goalkeeper, very good, so determined, and he has passion for the game, he doesn’t like losing, but all in all, fantastic guy, nice guy,” he said.

    The ceremony drew the presence of the Stationary Stores Supporters Club, the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, NFF Board Member Yomi Opakunle, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, along with several other stakeholders in Nigerian football.

    Following the Mass, a solemn interment service was held at the Ikoyi Cemetery, where Peter Rufai was finally laid to rest.

  • Rufai’s funeral begins  with  unveiling of biography Thursday

    Rufai’s funeral begins  with  unveiling of biography Thursday

    The  burial arrangements  of  former  Super Eagles’  goalkeeper Peter Rufai, has  been announced  by his family  with a service of songs and public presentation of his biography holding on Thursday, August 21st.

    Both the service of songs and  presentation of his biography  will hold between  4:30pm and 7;30pm at  the Rasaki Raji Estate Field  in the Amuwo-Odofin suburb of Lagos. His  funeral mass, according to the family,  will hold on Friday, August 22nd at the Catholic Church of Visitation in Festac Town, Lagos  while his interment will be at Ikoyi Cemetery.

    Read Also: Rio Olympics: Disu charges NFF to speak up over unpaid loans

    Fondly called  “Dodo Mayana”  during his heyday, Rufai died on Thursday, July 3  in Lagos after a brief illness. He was reportedly 61 years old.

    He was Nigeria’s  goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup, featuring at the 1994 tournament in the United States and again in France in 1998. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and earned over 60 caps for the national team during his career.

    After retiring from professional football, Rufai devoted himself to youth and grassroots development through his sports organization, Staruf Sports Development Limited. His contribution to football, both on and off the pitch, remains widely respected.

  • Peter Rufai (1963 – 2025)

    Peter Rufai (1963 – 2025)

    • Legendary goalkeeper’s passage further diminishes Nigeria’s footballing golden generation of the 1990s

    His nickname – “Dodo Mayana” – reflected his magnetic personality and professional charm. Its rhythmic appeal captured his magical performances as a star goalkeeper. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a posthumous tribute on X, described him as “a legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper… a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.”

    Beyond his pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph over Zambia in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Tunisia, the country’s second continental title, he also represented the country creditably at its first FIFA World Cup in 1994, in the US, and in 1998, in France. He won AFCON silver medals in 1984 and 1988. In his active years as Nigeria’s shot-stopper, from 1983 to 1998, he earned 62 caps.

    Peter Rufai’s death on July 3 further diminished Nigeria’s footballing golden generation of the 1990s, following the exit of five others before him. He was 61.

    Born in Lagos, he fell in love with football as a pupil at Community Primary School in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna. He recalled in an interview how he “used to join other kids to play football during break, and each time I would even forget that my mother gave me money for food. Different children will buy food and all, but my money will just be there in my pocket.”

    According to him, “Not until my mother wanted to wash my uniform would she see the money and ask why I didn’t buy food. I would tell her I forgot because I was playing football.”

    He used to play as a midfielder and became a goalkeeper by accident. His mother had relocated to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with him after the Nigerian civil war broke out in 1967. She hailed from the city. During an inter-school match while he was a pupil at Municipal Primary School, Port Harcourt, their goalkeeper abandoned the team and Rufai replaced him.

    Read Also: Peter Obi, El-Rufai turn to TikTok for 2027

    “From there, I started playing as a goalkeeper,” he said. When he was 11, he represented Rivers State in an U13 competition in Lagos.  

    He later attended Government Vocational School in Port Harcourt, where he trained to become an electrician. He was discovered by scouts of Sharks FC, a major football club in Rivers State, and he joined their youth team.

    At 17, he said, “I dropped my pen after doing my final exam, and I came to Lagos for screening with Stationery Stores, and I was selected… My parents never knew I was coming to Lagos for football.” That was in the glorious years of Stationery Stores FC of Lagos. A year later, he was the club’s goalkeeper in the 1980 FA Cup final. He was also the goalkeeper when the team represented Nigeria at the 1981 CAF Winners’ Cup and reached the final. He had a stint with Femo Scorpions of Eruwa in 1985. 

    He became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play abroad after signing for Dragon FC of the Republic of Benin in 1986. He caught the attention of European clubs and went on to play professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. His years in Europe’s respected football system underlined his goalkeeping quality. 

    Interestingly, when his father died in 1998, he turned down the opportunity to succeed him as the occupant of a Lagos traditional rulership position. He was with Spain’s Deportivo La Coruna and chose to continue his football career as a goalkeeper.

    His football passion ensured that he remained active in football development and youth mentoring after retirement in 2000. He established Staruf Academy with the aim of producing the football stars of tomorrow. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team in his post-playing years.

    The NFF noted that Rufai’s legacy “lives on between the sticks and beyond.” It was a striking picture of his professional impact and contributions to football development in the country. 

  • Peter Rufai: Uchegbulam  counsels ex-internationals on well-being

    Peter Rufai: Uchegbulam  counsels ex-internationals on well-being

    In  the wake of  the sudden death of former  national team’s star goalkeeper Peter Rufai due to illness  which was not in the public glare, erstwhile  1st  Vice-President  of Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, has asked former Nigeria internationals to solicit for help from  spirited individuals and Corporate Nigeria should they be visited by the vicissitude of life. 

    The respected  football technocrat  said there  was  nothing to be ashamed  of by asking for help as a result of health challenges, adding  former internationals are duty-bound to cash on their goodwill  having served  the country  diligently in their prime.

    “I’m really sad over the untimely death of Peter Rufai due to illness  which I understand  many people are not aware of which I also found very unfortunate because  Rufai served the country  very well in his heyday,” Uchegbulam, a former Vice-President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) Board of Appeal, told NationSport.

    Read Also: Peter Rufai gave Nigerians unforgettable moments — Obi

    Rufai  who  stood between  the sticks for the  Super Eagles in a career spanning over two decades,  passed  away last Thursday in Lagos  after a reported ‘long period of sickness’ .

    He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three Africa Cup of nations(AFCON) championships when  the Super Eagles   twice won the silver in 1984 and 1988  as well as Tunisia 1994  when  the country’s national team  won the continental  title for the third time.  He also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals  as the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions.

    “ Rufai served  Nigeria very well and he should have called for help  when  he was sick and I’m using  this opportunity  to  advise other former Nigeria Internationals  to call  for help just in case  they have any life challenges,” the former Imo State FA Chairman continued .“ These are our legends  and  we all pray for good health but  nobody is immune to sickness especially  as one gets old. “

     “ Nobody should be ashamed to solicit for help and we have so many instances  of former players  and coaches  that  sought  for help  when they  were ill and  they were  helped.

    “ Of course, the NFF may not be able to foot the medical bills of everybody but they can  reach out  to  well-meaning  Nigerians  or the state government of such concerned persons.

    “ We shouldn’t be losing  our legends  to avoidable mortality,” he added.

  • Association consoles Peter Rufai’s family

    Association consoles Peter Rufai’s family

    National President of Awori Welfare Association (AWAN), Chief Mohammed Olagbaye, has expressed sadness on the death of a former goalkeeper of the national football team, Super Eagles.

    His reaction came in a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adeniyi Jafojo, on Friday. He said the death of Rufai is a big loss to the Awori nation.

    ‘‘Peter Rufai demonstrated the ethos of hard work and patriotism, which people of Awori extraction are known for’’.

    AWAN noted that their loss is further seen in the brief sojourn of the departed sports man but added that “we take solace in the fact that he lived an impactful and meaningful life.”

    Olagbaye, on behalf of AWAN, wrote: “We received the news of the death of our dear brother and kinsman, Prince Peter Rufai with heavy heart. Our sense of loss is further seen in the fact that he lived a short yet impactful live.

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    “To us, his demise evokes some form of mixed feelings in the sense that he lived quite short by virtue of the fact that he died at the age of 61 but we take solace in the fact that our brother lived an impactful life…’’

    “While alive, we watched Peter Rufai in his pride doing the Awori nation and Nigeria proud in many international engagements that he had the honour of representing the country. On those occasions, he demonstrated uncommon patriotism to the country and hard work, which Aworis are known for.”

    AWAN used the occasion to implore youths to draw inspiration from the life and times of the late Super Eagles goal keeper also prayed for the repose of his soul.

  • Tinubu expresses sadness over passing of legendary goalkeeper’ Peter Rufai

    Tinubu expresses sadness over passing of legendary goalkeeper’ Peter Rufai

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness at the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

    ‎Rufai, 61, died on Thursday after a brief illness.

    ‎In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.

    ‎The President praised Rufai’s lasting impact on Nigerian football, describing him as a legendary figure beloved by fans across the country who affectionately called him “Dodomayana.”

    ‎Tinubu lauded the ex- Super Eagles’s goalkeeper as a patriotic sportsman who carved his name in gold in Nigeria’s football history and across the African continent.

    Read Also: Governor Otu predicts stronger showing for Tinubu in 2027, cites ongoing reforms

    ‎”I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the AFCON in Tunisia.

    ‎”He was the first-choice goalkeeper. He also followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed U.S.A ’94.”

    ‎”Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.”

    ‎”Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional.

    ‎”He played in many European countries including Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

    ‎The President also acknowledged Rufai’s vital contributions to grassroots football and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players in Nigeria.

    ‎”After he retired from active football, Peter, a Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, set up the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers,” Tinubu said.

    NAN reports that Rufai competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted 20 years.

    (NAN)

  • Peter Rufai gave Nigerians unforgettable moments — Obi

    Peter Rufai gave Nigerians unforgettable moments — Obi

    Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed sadness over the passing of  Peter Rufai, a former Nigeria Super Eagles goalkeeper.

    Obi, in a condolence message posted on his X handle, described Rufai’s death as unfortunate, saying the late goalkeeper gave his all for the country in his active days.

    He said Rufai delighted many soccer-loving Nigerians during his playing days, giving them unforgettable moments.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: 29 things to know about late Peter Rufai

    “Rufai  is unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, who has now passed away at the age of 61.

    “As a passionate football fan, I can confidently say that Peter Rufai’s career was extremely legendary, so much that he earned the iconic nickname ‘Dodo Mayana’.

    “Rufai stood tall for Nigeria, especially during our 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 FIFA World Cup that shook the world. He gave us moments we will never forget and saves that lifted the whole nation”, he said.

    He prayed for peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come, rest in power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana”, Obi said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports Rufai died at 61 in on Thursday in Lagos, following an illness.(NAN)

  • FULL LIST: 29 things to know about late Peter Rufai

    FULL LIST: 29 things to know about late Peter Rufai

    Peter Rufai, commonly called “Dodo Mayana,” was a pioneering figure in Nigerian football whose remarkable two-decade career etched his name into the history of the global game.

    Born into royalty in Lagos, Rufai rose from local pitches to the grandest football stages, representing Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups and playing a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ unforgettable 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. His exploits across Europe’s elite leagues — including his famous penalty-scoring feats — cemented his status as a national hero.

    As Nigeria and the football world mourn his passing at age 61 on July 3, 2025, here are 29 fascinating facts that honour the extraordinary life and legacy of this Super Eagles legend.

    1. Royal Heritage: Peter Rufai, born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, was the son of a tribal king in the Idimu region but he famously declined to inherit the throne to pursue his passion for football.

    2. Nickname Icon: Known as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai’s charismatic nickname reflected his commanding presence and royal lineage, making him a beloved figure in Nigerian football.

    3. Trailblazing career: Rufai was one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to play professionally in mainstream Europe, competing in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain over a 20-year career.

    4. Historic Penalty Goal: On July 24, 1993, Rufai became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score for the Super Eagles, converting a penalty in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia during a 1994 AFCON qualifier.

    5. 1994 AFCON Champion: Rufai played a pivotal role as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Tunisia, securing the country’s second continental title.

    6. World Cup Pioneer: He was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to represent the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup, starting in both the 1994 and 1998 tournaments, where Nigeria reached the Round of 16.

    7. European Impact: In his debut season with S.C. Farense in Portugal (1994–95), Rufai’s heroics helped the team concede only 38 goals in 34 matches, earning their first-ever UEFA Cup qualification.

    8. La Liga Stint: Rufai played for Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain, notably keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win against CD Tenerife in January 1998, despite being a backup to Jacques Songo’o.

    9. 65 International Caps: Over nearly two decades, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, cementing his status as one of the country’s most capped goalkeepers.

    10. Early Beginnings: Rufai began his career with local Lagos clubs Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions, gaining national attention by helping Stores reach the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup final.

    11. Benin Adventure: In 1986, Rufai moved to AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé in Benin, his first step toward international football before European clubs took notice.

    12. Belgian Tenure: He spent six years in Belgium with K.S.C. Lokeren (1987–1991) and K.S.K. Beveren (1991–1993), laying the foundation for his European career despite limited appearances.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

    13. Dutch League Debut: In the 1993–94 Eredivisie season, Rufai played 12 matches for Go Ahead Eagles, contributing to their 12th-place finish in the Dutch top flight.

    14. Spanish Struggles: At Hércules CF in La Liga (1996–97), Rufai faced challenges securing a starting role, and the team’s relegation marked a low point in his career.

    15. Final European Chapter: Rufai ended his playing career with Gil Vicente FC in Portugal (1999–2000), serving as a backup goalkeeper in his last professional season.

    16. Youth Development Legacy: After retiring, Rufai founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos in 2010 to mentor young players, emphasizing discipline and education alongside football.

    17. Goalkeeping School: In 2003, Rufai settled in Spain and opened a goalkeepers’ school, sharing his expertise to train aspiring shot-stoppers.

    18. Penalty-Saving Prowess: Rufai was renowned for his ability to stop penalties, with his quick reflexes and composure making him a formidable opponent for strikers.

    19. Leadership on the Field: As captain during Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup campaign, Rufai’s calm and confident presence inspired teammates and earned him widespread respect.

    20. Family in Football: His son, Senbaty Rufai, pursued a career as a midfielder, notably trying out for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier League.

    21. Multiple AFCON Appearances: Rufai competed in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (1984, 1988, 1990, 1992), earning silver medals in 1984 and 1988 before the 1994 triumph.

    22. Discipline and Longevity: Rufai credited his 20-year career to his discipline and dedication, serving as a role model for aspiring goalkeepers.

    23. Painful Memory: Rufai described Nigeria’s 4–1 loss to Denmark in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16 as the most painful match of his career, attributing it to collective failure.

    24. Advocacy for Education: Rufai was a vocal advocate for balancing academics and sports, encouraging Nigerian parents to support their children’s football dreams alongside education.

    25. National Recognition: In 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari gifted Rufai and other 1994 Super Eagles players houses in Abuja as recognition for their AFCON victory.

    26. Global Reach: Rufai’s biography is available in 21 languages on Wikipedia, reflecting his international impact and recognition as a football icon.

    27. Charismatic Figure: Known for his agility, command of the penalty area, and fan-favorite charisma, Rufai inspired a generation of Nigerian goalkeepers, including Vincent Enyeama.

    28. Post-Retirement Role: Rufai briefly served as coordinator for Nigeria’s U-23 team, contributing to grassroots football development after retiring in 2000.

    29. Enduring Legacy: The Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles mourned Rufai’s passing on July 3, 2025, hailing him as a “giant of Nigerian football” whose legacy endures.

  • Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai

    Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai

    President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and other notable Nigerians have led a wave of tributes for former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, following news of his passing on Thursday.

    The 61-year-old football icon, fondly remembered as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025 after battling a prolonged illness.

    His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s football community, with tributes flooding in from political leaders, football authorities, former teammates, and fans, all celebrating his immense contributions to the game and the nation.

    Tinubu in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on his official X handle expressed condolence, stating that Rufai will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s ‘patriotic sportsmen.’

    The statement reads: “The President condoles with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of the inimitable goalkeeper fondly called ‘Dodomayana’ by his numerous fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu notes that Peter Rufai would be remembered as one of those patriotic sportsmen who wrote their names in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.

    “I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia as the first-choice goalkeeper, followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94.

    ” Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.

    “Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing in many European countries including Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” President Tinubu says.

    “After he retired from active football, Peter, a Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, set up the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers”.

    Tinubu prayed for comfort for all who mourn Rufai’s loss and for the repose of Rufai’s soul.”

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also added his voice to the growing tributes pouring in for the iconic ex- goalkeeper . 

     In a brief statement on Thursday night, Atiku extended condolences to Rufai’s family and the Nigerian football community, describing the late goalkeeper as a national icon whose impact on the game would never be forgotten.

    “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana. His death is a profound loss to the global football community,” Atiku said.


    The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) through its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead?” What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”

    The official Super Eagles X page wrote:“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana.

    “We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.

    “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai dies at 61

    “Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the post said. 

    Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa in a post on his X handle also bid farewell to “true giant of Nigerian football.”

    He said: “Cant believe im typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.

    “May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero. 💙🙏

    Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend.”

    Rangers International hailed Rufai’s contribution to Nigerian football, adding that the goalkeeping icon will be missed.

    The club wrote: “Though he never wore our colours, his legendary performances for the Super Eagles inspired generations across the nation, including countless players who proudly represent Rangers today. His impact on Nigerian football is immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be part of the story we tell our young talents.

    “We honour his memory, his service, and the pride he brought to our game.”