![The late Peter Rufai was an integral part of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad of the Green Eagles, as well as the 1994 World Cup campaign in the USA. [Stewart Kendall, Richard Sellers and Michael Steele/Getty Images]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process/smp-images-production/pulse.ng/04072025/5d736a8a-26c1-4fa2-8f5e-f16ae365adbb.jpg?operations=autocrop(1042:580))
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President Bola Tinubu and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have paid glowing tributes to the late Nigerian football legend, Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
In a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Rufai as āa patriotic sportsman who wrote his name in gold.ā
The President lauded the late goalkeeperās immense contributions to Nigerian football, especially during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia and Nigeriaās debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.
āI 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. He was also a strong member of the team at the 1998 World Cup in France,ā Tinubu said.
![FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. [DailyTrust/Facebook]](https://image.api.sportal365.com/process/smp-images-production/pulse.ng/28102024/d1a504ad-3f2a-47f4-b22a-2c38c72fd50d?operations=autocrop(340:210))
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āA Legend On and Off the Pitchā
Rufai, affectionately known as āDodo Mayanaā, began his football career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 and went on to play professionally across Europe in Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Tinubu noted that Rufai was among the first Nigerian footballers to go professional abroad, thereby opening doors for future generations.
Beyond his playing years, Rufai continued to mentor young talents through his Staruf Football Academy, furthering his legacy off the field.
āAfter he retired from active football, Peterā¦ set up the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers,ā Tinubu added.
āHe Gave Nigeria Unforgettable Momentsā ā Obi
Joining in the national mourning, Peter Obi described Rufai as āunarguably one of Nigeriaās finest goalkeepersā and a āpatriotic football legend.ā
In a heartfelt statement, Obi recalled the āunforgettable momentsā Rufai gave Nigerians during his career, particularly in 1994.
āRufai stood tall for Nigeria, especially during our 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 FIFA World Cup that shook the world.
āHe gave us moments we will never forget and saves that lifted the whole nation,ā Obi said.
Rufai made over 60 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1983 and 1998, captaining the team and leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian football history.