Peter Rufai, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has passed away at the age of 61 on Thursday, July 3, after battling a prolonged illness. His demise has sent ripples of pain and sorrow across the Nigerian football community and among those who knew him personally, marking a significant loss of an icon whose contributions to the sport and impact on individuals were profound.

Nigerian media personality Devoyce, among many others, expressed deep sorrow over Rufai’s passing. Devoyce recounted that Rufai was consistently full of kindness in every interaction, whether on or off air. He highlighted Rufai's great sense of humor and free spirit, which made him a joy to be around. A particularly striking trait was Rufai’s deep affection for children; he was observed to have a special place in his heart for them, going out of his way to show profound love and care. This selfless nature and warmth left a lasting impression on those who encountered him.

Journalists Mike Yawe and Modele Sarafa-Yusuf also shared emotional tributes, shedding light on Rufai's aspirations beyond the pitch. Mike Yawe revealed that Rufai harbored significant dreams for the future of Nigerian football, though he lamented that the system had not adequately supported him in actualizing these visions. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf recounted a conversation with Rufai in January, following his graduation from the National Institute for Sports, where he shared his plans to launch a book. Tragically, he did not live to unveil this project, which was dear to his heart, adding to the sense of unfulfilled potential following his departure.

Born on August 24, 1963, Peter Rufai, affectionately known as 'Dodo Mayana,' embarked on his international career with the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981. His illustrious career saw him secure Africa Cup of Nations silver medals in 1984 and 1988 before playing a pivotal role as the first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria famously won the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He further represented Nigeria on the world stage, guarding the net in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, where the Super Eagles reached the round of 16 on both occasions. At the club level, Rufai was an extraordinary figure for Lagos club Stationery Stores, reaching the Africa Cup Winners Cup final in 1981, and had extensive professional stints with clubs like Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in The Netherlands, Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain, and Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal. In his post-retirement days, Rufai dedicated himself to discovering and mentoring young players and also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed profound shock, describing Rufai’s passing as a great loss to Nigerian football. He lauded Rufai as a true icon, a 1994 AFCON winner, and a role model whose passion and dedication to the game would be deeply missed. Netizens across social media have joined in mourning, expressing heartfelt condolences and emphasizing Rufai's indelible legacy. Many remember him for his outstanding on-field and off-field performances, cementing his status as a legendary goalkeeper whose memory will continue to inspire future generations in Nigerian and African football.