TINUBU, FOOTBALL FRATERNITY MOURN PETER RUFAI, NIGERIA’S LEGENDARY GOALKEEPER

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to late Super Eagles legend, Peter Rufai, describing him as a football icon who wrote his name in gold in Nigeria’s sporting history and inspired generations across Africa.

Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana,” died on Thursday at the age of 61, prompting an outpouring of grief from political leaders, teammates, and fans around the world.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu recalled Rufai’s heroic role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory and the nation’s debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.

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

Tinubu also praised Rufai’s pioneering professional career in Europe, having played for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, adding that his success opened doors for future Nigerian footballers abroad.

Born into royalty in Idimu, Lagos, Rufai began his career with Stationery Stores in 1980 before moving abroad. He went on to earn 65 international caps and famously scored a goal in a 6–0 win over Ethiopia in 1993. His athleticism, reflexes, and leadership earned him admiration at home and abroad.

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Beyond football, Rufai was a mentor to young athletes through his Staruf Football Academy and pursued coaching education at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos.

President Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and offered condolences to his family, teammates, and the global football community.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also described Rufai’s death as “a profound loss,” stating that “his remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered.”

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa, in a heartfelt tribute, wrote: “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. Rest in peace, legend.”

Rufai’s death came on the same day as the tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, marking a somber moment for global football.