The renowned Nigerian midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has shared his astonishment at the passing of his ex-Super Eagles teammate Peter Rufai. Rufai passed away at 61 on Thursday, July 383, 2025, following a prolonged illness. In response to the news of Rufai’s death, Adepoju posted on his Facebook profile: “A somber day in football… We have lost a teammate, a brother, and an iconic African figure, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana.” I am still reeling from this heartbreaking news, and it’s difficult to come to terms with it. “I hope your soul finds eternal peace, and that your family can take solace in how much you were cherished, esteemed, and looked up to. May you embark on your journey in peace, and may your legacy inspire future generations. Though you may have departed, your memory will always remain. Adepoju and Rufai were members of the Super Eagles team that claimed victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations held in Tunisia. They both represented the Super Eagles at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Additionally, there are reflections of grief from Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu regarding Rufai’s passing. Additionally, the duo was part of the Eagles team that secured fourth place at the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup. Rufai: Professional Career. Born in Lagos, Rufai began his soccer career in Nigeria, playing for Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions before transferring to Benin Republic in 1986 to join AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé. He spent six years in Belgium with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, where he had limited appearances. During the 1993–94 season, he played 12 matches for the Dutch team Go Ahead Eagles, which finished in 12th place in the Eredivisie. In 1994, Rufai commenced his journey in Portugal by signing with S.C. Farense. During his debut season, he played a key role as the Algarve team allowed just 38 goals over 34 games, achieving qualification for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history. His impressive displays led to a move to La Liga; however, he found it difficult to secure a starting position at the struggling Hércules CF, which ultimately faced relegation.
