Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, is still in shock following the death of his ex-colleague, Peter Rufai.

Rufai, who was in goal for the Super Eagles when Nigeria won the African Nations Cup title at Tunisia ’94, died on Thursday.

“We have lost a colleague, a brother, and an African legend, Peter Rufai, our ‘Dodo Mayana’,” Adepoju said.

“I’m still in shock, and it’s incredibly hard to process this painful news. I pray that your soul rest in perfect peace, and that your family finds comfort in knowing how deeply you were loved, respected, and admired.

“Journey well and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten,” he said.

Peter Rufai passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 61.

His death made it three the number of Nigeria football legends who have passed on this year. Former Captain of the Green Eagles, Christian Chukwu, and Charles Bassey, both members of the 1980 AFCON winning squad died earlier this year.

Rufai’s death marks the end of an era—an era defined by courage, pride, and the unifying power of sport.

A prince by birth and a patriot by choice, Rufai turned down the throne of his father in Idimu, Lagos, to serve his country on the football pitch.

In doing so, he became more than a goalkeeper—he became a symbol of Nigeria’s golden generation.

He was the last line of defence during Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and stood tall as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper at its debut FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, and again in 1998.

With 65 international caps, Rufai’s name became synonymous with excellence, composure, and leadership.

His club career spanned Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight teams including Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF. But it was in the green and white of Nigeria that he became immortal.

After retirement, Rufai remained a pillar of the football community, mentoring young talents through his Staruf Football Academy and advocating for education and discipline among aspiring athletes. His legacy lives on in every young goalkeeper who dares to dream.