President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, declaring that Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian and African sports will be remembered forever. This tribute was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday. Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodomayana” by fans, died at the age of 61. Tinubu reminisced about Rufai’s pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he served as the primary goalkeeper, and his part in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup in 1994. Tinubu emphasized that Rufai’s legacy will endure in the hearts of Nigerians and football fans globally. He also noted Rufai’s participation in the 1998 World Cup in France and emphasized his significant impact on professional football in Nigeria, having played in various European leagues including Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Rufai began his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 and was among the first Nigerian players to turn professional, paving the way for future generations. Furthermore, Rufai was recognized for his mentorship of young players through his Staruf Football Academy. “He continued to inspire, mentor, and nurture young footballers,” Tinubu remarked.
