PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF EX-SUPER EAGLES KEEPER PETER RUFAI

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed great sadness at the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who was 61. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said 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.

Onanuga said 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,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying.

The President recalled Rufai’s illustrious career, which spanned over two decades, 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. Onanuga further quoted the President as saying, “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”.

Onanuga said President Tinubu prays for comfort for all who mourn Rufai’s loss and for the repose of Rufai’s soul. The President’s condolences come as a mark of respect for Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of Nigerians. Onanuga emphasized the President’s appreciation for Rufai’s dedication to the sport and his impact on the nation’s sporting history.