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Tag: Peter Rufai

  • Legendary Eagles’ keeper  Rufai ‘Dodomayana’  dies at 61

    Legendary Eagles’ keeper  Rufai ‘Dodomayana’  dies at 61

    • NFF mourns ‘flamboyant’ shot-stopper

    Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai fondly called ‘Dodomayana’  reportedly passed away yesterday, 3rd June 2025.He was 61.

    According to Radio Nigeria, Rufai passed away on Thursday morning after a long illness. The illness  presumably kept him away from the public in recent months.

    Though his immediate family has yet to issue an obituary, news of his death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond as tributes poured  in for the iconic goalkeeper who stood tall between the sticks for the Super Eagles  as well as local  and  international clubs.

    Born  24th August 1963 in Lagos, Rufai featured locally for  the famous  Lagos darling Club, Stationery Stores as well as Femo Scorpions of Eruwa and Beninese side, Dragon FC   en route to  professional football career in Europe.  He also turned out for Belgian  sides, Lokeren and Beveren  and Dutch side, Go Ahead Eagles. Other clubs he featured for include Portuguese sides, Farense  and Gil Vincente  as well as Spanish outfits, Hercules and Deportivo La Coruna.

    But it was  with the Super Eagles  that Rufai  had his days  as he was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98.

    Renowned for his leadership, reflexes, and charisma, Rufai  who  made his  debut  with the Super Eagles  in a 1-1 draw international friendly with Egypt  on  20th February 1983,   earned  in total 62 international with his last game in the  green and white jerseys  being   the 4-1 scandalous loss to Denmark  on 28th June 1998.

    After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.

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

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)  has described the death of the ‘flamboyant’ goalkeeper  following a period of illness as a rude shock.

     “This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja via an official  release last night. “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.”

    Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday.

    According to the NFF, another  former Nigeria international Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.

    Apart from  the 1994 AFCON triumph, Rufai  also  won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988.He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.

  • Rufai was a ‘patriotic hero’, says Tinubu 

    Rufai was a ‘patriotic hero’, says Tinubu 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, describing him as a national hero who brought honour to the country and inspired generations through his stellar career.

    Rufai, affectionately known by fans as “Dodomayana,” passed away at the age of 61, prompting an outpouring of grief across the football community in Nigeria and beyond.

    In a condolence message issued by the State House, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late goalkeeper, whose exploits between the goalposts played a crucial role in some of Nigeria’s most memorable moments in football history.

    “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. He followed that up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94”, Tinubu said.

    President Tinubu further noted Rufai’s involvement in Nigeria’s second World Cup appearance in France in 1998, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the country’s golden generation of football.

    Beginning his career in 1980 with Stationery Stores of Lagos, Rufai was among the early trailblazers who took Nigerian football to the global stage.

    He went on to play professionally across Europe, featuring in clubs in Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

    According to the President, Rufai not only showcased Nigerian talent abroad but also helped pave the way for future generations of footballers to pursue international careers.

    “Rufai brought honour to the nation and opened a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” Tinubu remarked.

    Beyond his playing days, Rufai remained devoted to nurturing football talent in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Chukwueze wants  Milan stay

    The President acknowledged the former goalkeeper’s post-retirement commitment to youth development through the Staruf Football Academy, which he founded to mentor aspiring players.

    “A Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, Peter Rufai continued to inspire and uplift others through football, even after retirement. His legacy will endure not just in highlight reels and record books, but in the lives of those he mentored,” Tinubu stated.

    The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, friends, former teammates, and the entire Nigerian football community, praying for comfort to all who mourn and for the repose of Rufai’s soul.

    Peter Rufai earned over 60 caps for the national team during a storied international career that spanned nearly two decades.

    His calm demeanour, leadership on the pitch, and acrobatic saves earned him legendary status among fans and peers alike.

  • Peter Rufai raises alarm after Cyber attack

    Peter Rufai raises alarm after Cyber attack

    By Chijioke Ezeali

    Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai has released a public statement after falling victim to internet fraudsters who hacked into his personal data, Nation Sport gathered.

    Regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, Rufai had an illustrious career, earning 65 caps for the national team, including appearances in two World Cups and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.

    The former Stationary Stores and Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper has reported the incident to relevant security agencies and is hopeful for a swift resolution.

    Read Also: Ex-NFF protocol officer decorated  with new NIS rank

    Rufai has expressed confidence in the Nigerian police’s ability to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    The statement read: “PUBLIC NOTICE

    “The general public is hereby notified that certain unknown persons have gained access to my personal and corporate data, as well as other electronically accessible  particulars, including my Nigerian passport.

    “Any unauthorized use of the said passport or other digital information is hereby prohibited.

    “The concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

    “Thank you

    “PETER RUFAI.”

  • Rufai, Onyali, others for Adron Games unveiling

    FORMER Nigerian stars will be the centre attraction at the unveiling of the 2019 edition of the Adron Games which comes up on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Already signed up for the event are former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Olympian Mary Onyali, former boxing champion, Bash Ali, president of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, dancing sensation, Kaffy and former Eagles midfielder, Waidi Akanni, who is also the consultant to the Games.

    Akanni stated that the event, which is in its fourth edition, is being packaged by Adron Homes and it is meant to promote wellness among staffs of the company. He also stated that members of the public would have the opportunity to take part in the event with many expected to smile home with prizes.

    The former international stated that the support of sports’ heavyweight already signed up for the event shows the seriousness Adron places on the wellbeing of their staffs and that of the public.

    “It is a known fact that a sound mind can only operate in a sound body and that is why Adron Homes’ General Managing Director, Adetola Emmanuel-King initiated the Games four years ago and it has grown so much that members of the public are also involved.

    “This year’s edition is fully loaded with activities. The participants are getting ready and are excited about meeting these former stars who are ambassadors of the game,” he added.

    Akanni also assured the participants that this edition would surpass previous editions, while urging members of the public to show up and be part of the Games.

    While shedding more light on the essence of the Games, Emmanuel-King noted that the need to create beneficial sporting activities necessitated the institution of the Games.

    He called on all members of staffs and the public to use the event to put themselves in good physical and mental states, assuring that those who excel would take home prizes for their efforts.

  • Rohr must scout for goalkeepers – Rufai

    Ex-International, Peter Rufai has admonished the Super Eagles’ technical crew to work more on the goalkeeping department in the team, to fix some of the loopholes experienced at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.

    Dodo Mayana as he’s fondly called during his goalkeeping days, stated that the goalkeeping trio of Okechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, and Daniel Akpayi had an impressive performance with little or more to amend.

    The Super Eagles finished third at the AFCON tournament after beating Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place match, thanks to an Odion Ighalo’s solitary goal in the first half.

    However, Rufai told Soccernet.ng that the team’ technical trainer, Gernot Rohr should scout for more goalkeepers that would create more competition in the team.

    Read Also: Tribunal adjourns as El Rufai opens defence

    “There is no doubt that the goalkeeper who represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations showed a very decent performance. At least we saw what goalkeepers such as Okechukwu Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, and Daniel Akpayi could do for the Super Eagles but then, I still think the Super Eagles technical crew must scout for more goalkeepers that will give them stiff competition.

    “This is not to say that they are not good but there is always the need for competition in the team to bring out the best from them.

    Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups, always as a starter: 1994 (Nigeria’s first-ever appearance, where he also acted as captain) and 1998, also helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

  • Rufai urges Nigerians to give Super Eagles’ goalkeepers time

    Rufai urges Nigerians to give Super Eagles’ goalkeepers time

    The Super Eagles ex-Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, on Wednesday rose to the defence of the team’s goalkeepers, saying they need more playing time to gain experience.

    Rufai made the submission in an interview with the News men in Lagos while assessing the performance of the Nigerian goalkeepers in readiness for the World Cup.

    The veteran goalkeeper said goalkeeping unlike other department in football needed more playing time and could not be assessed or judged by a single match.

    “There is no problem as far as I am concerned with the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles, what they need right now is support and more exposure.

    “Goalkeepers get better with time and matches and if one is not performing well such can be replaced for a better option. We are blessed with abundance of good goalkeepers in Nigeria.

    “If someone is driving a four wheel vehicle and one wheel is not good enough, then you change the one that is bad and not discarding all the wheels that is the same situation with goalkeepers.

    “The goalkeepers we still have can serve us better, so, we need not panic about the goalkeepers. As I have said the goalkeepers need exposure, and playing time to get better,’’ he told the newsmen.

    Read Also: 2018 World Cup: Nigeria Breweries promise to sponsor  Super Eagles in Russia

    Rufai, a member of the USA 94 team, said that the technical crew should search for good goalkeepers among the existing ones and also give them time to express themselves.

    “The technical crew which I don’t belong to must get their onions right by searching for goalkeepers that can give them what they want.

    “It is a question of maybe having weakness or lapses in any of the goalkeepers, and finding a way of correcting it that is the reason we have the technical crew.

    “There are lots of goalkeepers but they must be given equal opportunity to play and express themselves. I will be wrong to suggest any goalkeeper to them.

    “Football is almost a science now, so we need to experiment on what we have at hand and get the best out of it. The goalkeepers need platform and experience,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • ‘Akpeyi’s mistake should not end world cup chance’ 

    ‘Akpeyi’s mistake should not end world cup chance’ 

    Super Eagles legend, Peter Rufai has defended embattled goalie Daniel Akpeyi following his howler in the friendly against Argentina on Tuesday night.
    The Chippa United star started in goal against the South Americans but contrived to give them the lead after he awkwardly handled the ball outside his penalty area but the Eagles rallied from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 courtesy a brilliant brace by Iwobi and a goal each from Kelechi Iheanacho and debutant Brian Idowu.
    Rufai, 54, who was capped 65-times for the senior national team believes Akpeyi should be given another opportunity and encouraged.
    “Anyone can make mistake because no one is perfect,” he told SportingLife
    “Goalkeeping needs a lot of maturity, composure, consistency, leadership mentality and the humility needed as well. You have to communicate with your defence line, make good decisions and mindset means a lot.”
    “Akpeyi’s mistake (against Argentina) could also happen to another goalkeeper and that shouldn’t mean the end. Footballers make mistakes, referee’s too because nobody is perfect. All that is required is encouragement.”
  • Kanu, El-Hadji Diouf, Apiah, Amokachi , others to light up Kano

    Kanu, El-Hadji Diouf, Apiah, Amokachi , others to light up Kano

    African football legends are billed to light up the ancient city  of Kano on December 14 in a novelty match against Kano Pillars.
    According to the General Coordinator,Moo Mohammed Mustapha, he listed the  ex-international footballers who will feature in the match to include former Super Eagles and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Kanu Nwankwo, El-Hadji Diouf of Senegal, Steven Apiah of Ghana, Mohammed Kalou of Sierra-leone.
    Others include Fabian Makati of South Africa, Samson Siasia, Tijani Babangida, Lukas Kadiebe of South Africa, Garba Lawal, Mutiu Adepoju, Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi and the host of others.
    However, Kanu Nwankwo who was present at the Press Conference in the company of Diouf appealed to the Federal Government and state governments to pick interest in the December 14 football match, designed to help the IDPs.
    “We have to do this for the IDPs because people talk about and forget about them. We call on the Federal Government, state governors, corporate organizations, wealthy individuals and Nigerians in the Diaspora to respond positively to this clarion call.
    “We should make sure that we all play a role. We want the Federal Government and the state governments to be part of this. This is a very big statement and we have to do it. This game is very important to Nigeria. It is important to raise the hope of the IDPs. We have to come to their rescue,” he stated.
    The tourney is  designed to drum up support for a fund-raising to assist the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
    Meanwhile, the chairperson of the MATCH4IDPS Local Organizing Committee, Abi Goodman, the event is a charity game to raise awareness for the need to help IDPs who are victims of Boko Haram insurgency and others who are in camps across the country over one problem or the other.
    Goodman who addressed sportswriters during a pre-match press conference to create awareness for the event said, “we are here to introduce a charity and the purpose is to use the opportunity to raise awareness on the situation going on in IDP camps across Nigeria.
    “The match is designed to kick-start campaign to raise fund for the IDPs. The Match is between African football legends and Kano Pillars football club.
    It will hold at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on the 14th of December, 2017.”
    According to her, the event became necessary to help IPDs, adding that donor agencies such as the United Nations, UNICEF and other Non Governmental Organizations have run out fund, “and there is need to use other avenues such as football to attract donors to help and support our brothers and sisters who are practically suffering in the IDPs across Nigeria.”
  • Rufai appointed as Ikorodu United goalkeeper trainer

    Rufai appointed as Ikorodu United goalkeeper trainer

    Former Super Eagles safe hands , Peter Rufai has been appointed the  goal keeper trainer for Nigeria National League side, Ikorodu United.

    Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups, always as starter: 1994 (Nigeria’s first ever appearance, where he also acted as captain) and 1998, also helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.[4]

    On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifier against Ethiopia, Rufai scored his country’s last goal from a penalty kick, in a 6–0 home win. Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper’s school.

  • OJEZ TO HONOUR PETER RUFAI, GBENGA ADEYINKA

    THE maiden edition of the monthly O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out will hold  at O’jez celebrity restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, at 7pm, during the UEFA Champions League final match between the two Spanish club sides; Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid.

    The event according to Chief Executive Officer of O’jez, Chief Joseph Odobeatu, is expected “to attract over 2, 000 soccer fans and is designed to create a platform for brands to have a one on one contact with soccer fans, showcase the activities of the Nigeria Premier League as well international football, promote peace, love and unity among Nigerian soccer fans and to appreciate, honour and celebrate Nigerian ex-internationals, sports media personalities, corporate firms and entertainers for their contributions to the growth and development of football and entertainment in Nigeria.”

    This maiden edition dedicated to Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana), Mumuni Alao (Group MD, Complete Communications) and Gbenga Adeyinka will feature ball juggling competition, soccer game show, raffle draw, performances by top Nigerian artistes and presentation of awards to the recipients. And while Rufai will be honoured with the Soccer Personality Award, Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka will get the Sports Media Personality and Entertainment Personality awards respectively.

    “It will be a night of music, dance, comedy and football all rolled into one,” Odobeatu said adding, “Top comedian Elder O, the master of spontaneity and his side-kick MC Phrymzo alongside other fast rising comedians such as MC Bonus among others will be on call to make football lovers rock with laughter while the O’jez, Classic and Lilly bands will take turns to dish out soul inspiring music. Dancers such as Crazy Legs, the physically challenged dancer, Scatter ‘N Sons, Ada Owerri, SDV among other dance groups will burn the stage that explosive evening. I can assure you that it will be an evening of high octane fun and entertainment.”

    On the choice of Peter Rufai, Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka as recipients of the maiden O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out award, Odobeatu said they were carefully selected because of the roles they have played in the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.