President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined Nigerians and the global football community in mourning the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing him as a national icon who wrote his name in gold in Nigerian and African sports history.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on July 3, 2025, the President expressed deep sadness over Rufai’s passing, remembering him fondly for his heroics on the football field and his contributions to Nigerian football beyond his playing years.
“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,” President Tinubu stated. “He followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making, first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94.”
The President also noted Rufai’s role in the 1998 World Cup in France and hailed his pioneering move into European football, where he played for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. “Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing in many European countries… bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” he said.
Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana for his acrobatic goalkeeping style, began his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 and earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team. In 1993, he made history by scoring a goal in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia—a rare feat for a goalkeeper.
Beyond his illustrious playing career, Rufai was known for mentoring young talents through his Staruf Football Academy and for his dedication to coaching education, having enrolled at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos.
President Tinubu offered prayers for the repose of Rufai’s soul and extended condolences to his family, teammates, and all Nigerians mourning the legendary goalkeeper.
The news of Rufai’s death on Thursday, July 3, at age 61, sparked a wave of tributes across the nation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described his death as “a profound loss,” while Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa wrote: “Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero. Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend.”
Rufai’s death occurred on the same day Portuguese and Liverpool star Diogo Jota died in a car accident, casting a shadow over the international football community.
