Tinubu Mourns Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper Rufai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Peter Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper who died on Thursday after a brief illness at the age of 61.

In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to Rufai’s family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.

Tinubu described Rufai as a legendary figure beloved by fans nationwide, affectionately known as “Dodomayana.” He praised the former goalkeeper for carving his name in gold in Nigeria’s football history and across Africa.

“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 AFCON in Tunisia,” Tinubu said. “He was the first-choice goalkeeper. He also followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed “U.S.A. ’94.” Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.”

The President highlighted Rufai’s pioneering role as one of Nigeria’s earliest professional footballers. “Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional,” he noted.

“He played 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.”

Tinubu also acknowledged Rufai’s contributions to grassroots football, particularly through his Staruf Football Academy, where he mentored and nurtured young players.

“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,” the President said.

Rufai had a 20-year senior career, competing professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

VANGUARD