President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have paid heartfelt tributes to former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on Thursday in Lagos at the age of 61.
In a statement released on June 3, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Peter Rufai, fondly called “Dodomayana”, for his outstanding service to Nigerian football.
“I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia as the first-choice goalkeeper,” Tinubu said.
“He followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making first appearance at the FIFA World Cup, USA ’94.”
The President noted that Rufai’s legacy would continue to live in the hearts of Nigerians and football fans worldwide. He also highlighted Rufai’s participation in the 1998 World Cup in France and his pioneering role as one of Nigeria’s early professionals in Europe, in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was among the trailblazers who brought honour to the nation and opened doors for young Nigerian footballers abroad,” Tinubu added.
Similarly, Peter Obi described Rufai’s passing as a great loss to the country. In a condolence message on his official X handle, Obi hailed the former Super Eagles shot-stopper for giving his all in service to the nation.
“Peter Rufai delighted many football-loving Nigerians with unforgettable moments during his illustrious career,” Obi wrote. “May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana.”
Obi also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Rufai’s soul and strength for his family during this difficult time.
