Peter Rufai Kept Inspiring And Nurture Young Footballers Until He Took His Last Breath – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has come out to mourn the death of legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

Recall that Dodomayana died on the 3rd of July 2025 at the age of 61 after a long illness.

Reacting via a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed great sadness at the passing of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper.

According to him, Peter Rufai would be remembered as one of the patriotic sportsmen who wrote their names in gold while playing for the country.

He stated that he’ll never forget the heroic contributions of the deceased in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu further noted that Rufai loved his nation so dearly that he took it upon himself to create several opportunities to help aspiring footballers in Nigeria.

He concluded by saying that the legendary goalkeeper never stopped inspiring and mentoring young footballers until his sad demise.

“Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.

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,” he added.