Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
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- Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
President Bola Tinubu has honored the late Peter Rufai, describing him as a legendary figure in Nigerian and African football.
In a statement r
eleased by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on June 3, 2025, the President paid tribute to Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodomayana,” who passed away at the age of 61 on Thursday.
President Tinubu recalled Rufai’s key role as the first-choice goalkeeper during Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Tunisia and their debut appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.
He also noted Rufai’s participation in the 1998 World Cup in France and highlighted his pioneering contributions to professional football in Nigeria, having played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Starting his career with Stationery Stores Lagos in 1980, Rufai was among the earliest Nigerian players to go professional in Europe, paving the way for younger generations.
Beyond football, Rufai, a prince from the royal family of Idimu, Lagos, was recognized for his mentorship through his Staruf Football Academy, supporting upcoming talents.
President Tinubu prayed for Rufai’s soul and extended condolences to his family and all mourning his loss.
Tributes have come from various quarters. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Rufai’s death as a “profound loss,” praising his contributions to the game.
Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa shared an emotional farewell, highlighting Rufai’s heroic presence and legacy, urging him to “fly high” as the nation mourns a true legend.
Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and made history in 1993 by scoring in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia. His acrobatic goalkeeping earned him the nickname “Dodomayana.”
He was also known for his dedication to education, pursuing coaching certification at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos.
His passing on the same day as Liverpool star Diogo Jota’s tragic death marked a somber moment in the football world.
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Faith Kegh
Content & Editorial Manager - Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.
As the key driver of TokinPoint Media LTD's editorial voice, the manager oversees content planning, assigns tasks to writers or editors, enforces deadlines, and ensures consistency across all platforms. She also plays a strategic role in aligning content with audience interests and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.