Nigerian government and the sports community is mourning the passing of legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Ruffai.
In a reaction by the Presidency, President Bola Tinubu expresses sadness over the passing of the goal keeper who died at the age of 61.
The President in a statement through the Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy Bayo Onanuga condoles with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of the goalkeeper fondly called 'Dodomayana' by his fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.
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"
" Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998"
"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 including Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,"
"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".
Also the director general and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu has expressed deep shock over the passing of Peter Rufai describing it as a great loss to Nigeria football community.
He said, "The news of Peter Rufai's passing is a great loss to Nigerian football"
"He was a true icon, a 1994 AFCON winner, and a role model for many.
"His passion and dedication to the game will be deeply missed"
"We at the national institute for sports extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time."
"His performances, especially at the 1994 AFCON, inspired a generation. We mourn with his family and the football family. May his soul rest in peace."
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
The goalkeeper also kept for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the round of 16 on both occasions) and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time.
Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
He also played professionally for Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, as well as Go Ahead Eagles in The Netherlands before stints with Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain as well as Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal."
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