President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, saying he wrote his name in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.
The President said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, while paying tribute to the football icon, fondly remembered by fans as “Dodomayana”.
Metrowatch reports that the football legend passed away on Thursday at the age of 61.
“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.
“He followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed USA ’94,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the late footballer’s legacy would live on in the hearts of Nigerians and football lovers worldwide.
Tinubu also highlighted Rufai’s involvement in the 1998 World Cup in France and noted his pioneering role in professionalising Nigerian football, having plied his trade in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional, playing in many European countries… bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” he added.
Beyond his footballing achievements, Rufai, a prince of the royal family in Idimu, Lagos, was lauded for his efforts in mentoring the next generation through his Staruf Football Academy.
“He continued to inspire, mentor and nurture young footballers,” Tinubu said.
