President Tinubu mourns ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61.

In a condolence message, the President sympathized with the Rufai family, friends, and football fans across the country, describing the late goalkeeper, popularly known as ‘Dodomayana’, as a patriotic sportsman who made indelible marks in Nigeria’s football history and across Africa.

President Tinubu fondly recalled Rufai’s role in Nigeria’s historic victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he served as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He also remembered his remarkable presence when Nigeria made its first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the USA in 1994, as well as his participation in the 1998 edition in France.

The President noted that Rufai, who began his football career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, was among the early Nigerian footballers to venture into professional football abroad. His career saw him playing in countries like Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, bringing honour to Nigeria and opening doors for many young talents.

After retiring from professional football, Peter Rufai, a Prince from the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, established the Staruf Football Academy, through which he continued to mentor and inspire upcoming footballers.

President Tinubu prayed for comfort for Rufai’s family and all those mourning his loss, and also for the peaceful repose of his soul.