9am News report that tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Nigeria’s iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, and several notable Nigerians have all paid glowing tributes to Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana”, describing him as a national hero who inspired generations on and off the pitch.
In an official statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu described Rufai as one of Nigeria’s “patriotic sportsmen who wrote their names in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.”
“I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and Nigeria’s debut appearance at the USA ’94 FIFA World Cup,” Tinubu said, highlighting Rufai’s trailblazing career in Europe and his role in nurturing young talents through his Staruf Football Academy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned Rufai’s passing, describing him as a “national icon whose impact on the game would never be forgotten.”
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed shock at the news, stating: “This is really, really shocking. We did not even know that he had been ill. We pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and comfort all his loved ones and the entire Nigeria football family.”
The official Super Eagles page wrote: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
Current Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa also shared a heartfelt tribute on his X handle, saying: “May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.”
Nigerian club Rangers International, while acknowledging that Rufai never played for them, said his exploits inspired generations of players who proudly wear their colours today.
Rufai, who began his career at Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, went on to play professionally in Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, paving the way for many Nigerian footballers to succeed abroad.
His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, but as 9am News reports, his legacy as a champion, pioneer, and mentor will continue to inspire the nation’s sports community for years to come.
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