Tinubu Mourns Peter Rufai: “He Wrote His Name in Gold”
The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and football legend, Peter Rufai, who died on Thursday at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President extended heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.
President Tinubu hailed Rufai’s enduring legacy in Nigerian sports, describing him as a “legendary figure” admired by football fans nationwide, who fondly referred to him as “Dodomayana.”
“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,” the President 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.”
Tinubu described Rufai as “a patriotic sportsman who carved his name in gold in Nigeria’s football history and across the African continent.”
Highlighting Rufai’s pioneering role in Nigerian football, the President recalled his early beginnings with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, and his success as one of Nigeria’s early footballers to play professionally abroad.
“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 noted.
The President also commended Rufai’s post-retirement contributions to youth development and grassroots football.
“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,” he said.
Peter Rufai enjoyed a professional career that spanned two decades, during which he played in top European leagues and represented Nigeria at major international tournaments, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations.
