How Super Eagles Icon Peter Rufai passed Away at 61

Cat:

Related stories

Ribadu, CDS Reel Out Laudable Achievements In Addressing Insecurity

The National Security Adviser to the President, Malam Nuhu...

Drama as Senate Insist NNPCL’s led Ojulari Must Explain N210 Trillion Audit Discrepancies

By Hamilton Nwosu  The Nigerian Senate’s Public Accounts Committee has...

2027: SGF Akume Begs Atiku, Kwankwaso, Other Northerners to Defer Ambitions Until 2031

By Hamilton Nwosu Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the...

Egypt’s Growing LNG Imports Could Reshape Global Markets

Egypt turned from a net LNG exporter to a...

Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating hours-old ceasefire

Thailand has accused Cambodia of "deliberately" violating a ceasefire...

By Abiola Olawale

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into a state of mourning following the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” on Thursday morning.

Rufai, aged 61, was said to have succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Nigerian and African football.

His demise has been confirmed by the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles, in their tribute to Rufai, via a heartfelt statement, said: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.”

Rufai, born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, was a trailblazer in goalkeeping, becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally in Europe and represent the nation at the FIFA World Cup.

His illustrious career spanned two decades, during which he showcased his remarkable talent at clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, including notable stints with Lokeren, Beveren, Farense, and Deportivo La Coruña.

A cornerstone of Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, Rufai’s heroics between the posts helped the Super Eagles secure the prestigious title.

He also represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and two AFCON tournaments, earning 65 caps for the national team.

His agility, leadership, and clutch saves cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers.

The New Diplomat
The New Diplomathttps://newdiplomatng.com/
At The New Diplomat, we stand for ethical journalism, press freedom, accountable Republic, and gender equity. That is why at The New Diplomat, we are committed to speaking truth to power, fostering a robust community of responsible journalism, and using high-quality polls, data, and surveys to engage the public with compelling narratives about political, business, socio-economic, environmental, and situational dynamics in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Ribadu, CDS Reel Out Laudable Achievements In Addressing InsecurityDrama as Senate Insist NNPCL's led Ojulari Must Explain N210 Trillion Audit Discrepancies2027: SGF Akume Begs Atiku, Kwankwaso, Other Northerners to Defer Ambitions Until 2031Egypt’s Growing LNG Imports Could Reshape Global MarketsThailand accuses Cambodia of violating hours-old ceasefire(VIDEO) Anxities as Ghanaians Ask Nigerians to leave Ghana in Viral VideoPeter Obi Warns, Says FG's Borrowing 'll Mortgage Nigerians future, debt Nearing ₦200 TrillionTinubu’s $3m Cash Reward to Super Falcons is Profligacy By Yemi AdebowaleArtificial Intelligence and God’s Plan for Humanity: A Case for Hope, Progress, and PurposeWhen Will This Call to Service End? By Johnson Babalola(VIDEO) Why I Didn’t Watch WAFCON Final– Tinubu Reveals God says, let there be movement, Nigeria Police says no! By Owei LakemfaOil Prices Climb as U.S. and EU Reach Historic Tariff AgreementBreaking! Tinubu Bestows National Honours on Super FalconsEkiti Guber: Fayose Backs Oyebanji, As Ekiti topshots throw Weight Behind State Governor's Re-Election 
X whatsapp