President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians have expressed great sadness at passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who was 61.
In a statement released by his aide on Thursday, the President condoled with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of inimitable goalkeeper fondly called ‘Dodomayana’ by his numerous fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.
Report has it that the Nigeria formal goalkeeper passed away on Thursday morning following a prolonged illness at the age of 61.
Tinubu noted that Peter Rufai would be remembered as one of those patriotic sportsmen who wrote their names in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.
He said, “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.
“Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.
“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,” President Tinubu says.
“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 prayed for comfort for all who mourn Rufai’s loss and for the repose of Rufai’s soul.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on X mourned the passing of the legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana.
He said Peter Rafai’s death is a profound loss to the global football community. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community.
Atiku prayed, “May his soul rest in eternal peace, adding that Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed.
Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, in his reaction on X said that Peter Rufai, is unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, who has now passed away at the age of 61.
“As a passionate football fan, I can confidently say that Peter Rufai’s career was extremely legendary, so much that he earned the iconic nickname ‘Dodo Mayana’.
“Rufai stood tall for Nigeria, especially during our 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 FIFA World Cup that shook the world. He gave us moments we will never forget and saves that lifted the whole nation.
He prayed that Peter Rafai’s family finds comfort in knowing he was loved, respected, and will never be forgotten. “May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come”.
