Nigeria is in mourning following the death of Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died at the age of 61.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation, including from President Bola Tinubu, Super Eagles player Ahmed Musa, and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
They remembered his indelible contributions to Nigerian football. Tinubu expressed profound sorrow at Rufai’s demise, extending his condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu hailed Rufai – affectionately known as ‘Dodomayana’– as one of the patriotic sportsmen who etched their names in gold in Nigeria’s and Africa’s sporting history.
The President recalled Rufai’s ‘heroic contributions’ as the first-choice goalkeeper during the Super Eagles’ historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Tunisia.
This triumph was famously followed by Nigeria’s groundbreaking debut at the FIFA World Cup in USA ’94. Rufai also remained a crucial squad member for the subsequent 1998 World Cup in France.
President Tinubu highlighted Rufai’s pioneering role as one of Nigeria’s earliest professional footballers, having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 before playing in European countries like Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
This, according to the President, brought immense honour to the nation and opened new opportunities for aspiring young footballers.
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After retiring from active play, Rufai, a Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, established the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire and mentor emerging talents.
President Tinubu offered prayers for comfort for all who mourn and for the peaceful repose of Rufai’s soul. More so, Musa conveyed his disbelief and sadness in a social media post, describing Rufai as ‘a true giant of Nigerian football.’
He lauded Rufai’s heroic reflexes and unwavering presence that brought moments of national pride on the world stage.
Musa expressed hope that Rufai’s spirit would continue to inspire future generations of the Super Eagles, concluding with, “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.”
Also, Obi paid his respects, mourning the ‘heartbreaking news’ of the death of one of Nigeria’s patriotic football legends.
He remembered Rufai as unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, whose extremely legendary career earned him the iconic nickname ‘Dodo Mayana’.
As a passionate football fan, Obi recounted Rufai’s pivotal role in the 1994 AFCON victory and the impactful 1994 FIFA World Cup, emphasising that Rufai gave us moments we will never forget and saves that lifted the whole nation.’
He extended prayers for Rufai’s family to find comfort and for his soul to rest in perfect peace, hoping his legacy would inspire future generations.
Peter Rufai, born on August 24, 1963, passed away on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His career spanned nearly two decades, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian and African football history.
