Tinubu grieves death of Nigerian Football Legend Peter Rufai

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Peter Rufai, the iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper, who died at 61 on Thursday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts across Nigeria.

Tinubu described Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodomayana,” as a patriotic sportsman whose illustrious career etched his name in the annals of Nigerian and African football.

“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 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia as the first-choice goalkeeper, followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94,” the President said.

He added, “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 journey, which began with Stationery Stores in Lagos in 1980.

“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing 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 stated.

Rufai’s European career included standout performances with S.C. Farense in Portugal, where he helped secure the club’s first-ever UEFA Cup qualification in 1994–95, and a stint with Deportivo de La Coruña in Spain.

After retiring, Rufai, a prince of the Idimu Royal House in Lagos, established the Staruf Football Academy to mentor young talent.

“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,” Tinubu noted.

President Tinubu prayed for comfort for all mourning Rufai’s loss and for the repose of his soul, affirming that his legacy as a trailblazing goalkeeper and mentor will endure.