Tinubu, NFF, others lead tributes for Peter Rufai
Peter Rufai
President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and other notable Nigerians have led a wave of tributes for former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, following news of his passing on Thursday.
The 61-year-old football icon, fondly remembered as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025 after battling a prolonged illness.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s football community, with tributes flooding in from political leaders, football authorities, former teammates, and fans, all celebrating his immense contributions to the game and the nation.
Tinubu in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on his official X handle expressed condolence, stating that Rufai will be remembered as one of Nigeria’s ‘patriotic sportsmen.’
The statement reads: “The President condoles with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of the inimitable goalkeeper fondly called ‘Dodomayana’ by his numerous fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.
“President Tinubu notes 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.
“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”.
Tinubu prayed for comfort for all who mourn Rufai’s loss and for the repose of Rufai’s soul.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also added his voice to the growing tributes pouring in for the iconic ex- goalkeeper .
In a brief statement on Thursday night, Atiku extended condolences to Rufai’s family and the Nigerian football community, describing the late goalkeeper as a national icon whose impact on the game would never be forgotten.
“It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana. His death is a profound loss to the global football community,” Atiku said.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) through its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead?” What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”
The official Super Eagles X page wrote:“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.
“Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the post said.
Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa in a post on his X handle also bid farewell to “true giant of Nigerian football.”
He said: “Cant believe im typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.
“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero. 
Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend.”
Rangers International hailed Rufai’s contribution to Nigerian football, adding that the goalkeeping icon will be missed.
The club wrote: “Though he never wore our colours, his legendary performances for the Super Eagles inspired generations across the nation, including countless players who proudly represent Rangers today. His impact on Nigerian football is immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be part of the story we tell our young talents.
“We honour his memory, his service, and the pride he brought to our game.”
