Nigeria’s football community was thrown into grief on Thursday following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.”
Rufai, who was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, both of which saw the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 passed away in Lagos at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
After retirement, Rufai remained close to the game, mentoring young talents and serving as a coordinator for Nigeria’s U23 national team. His influence, both on and off the pitch, left a lasting legacy.
Nigerian Football Community Reactions
the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wrote on X.
“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,” said Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary.
Former NFA Secretary General, Hon. Sani Ahmed Toro, added:
“What a great loss. Peter Rufai was a reliable and committed player for the Super Eagles from 1990 to 1998… A complete gentleman. My condolences to his family and the entire football family.”
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa paid tribute on X:
“Can’t believe I’m 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.”
“Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, Dodo Mayana.”
Nigerian Leaders React To Peter Rufai’s Passing
President Bola Tinubu mourned the death of Peter Rufai in a statement released by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He described Rufai as one of the patriotic sportsmen who “wrote their names in gold” in the history of Nigerian and African football.
“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.
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.”
President Tinubu offered prayers for comfort to the bereaved and for the peaceful repose of Rufai’s soul.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute, describing Rufai’s passing as a significant loss for Nigeria, particularly its football community.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sorrow, calling the news a “profound loss to the global football community.”
Fan’s Reactions
@SundayOOliseh took to his X page to express his sadness calling Peter a roomate,team mate and a friend.
@dosu_john paid his tribute on X and thanked Peter Rufai for giving him his first coaching job.
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