By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
This comes as the football legend passed away on Thursday at the age of 61.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Rufai as a “patriotic sportsman who wrote his name in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent.”
Tinubu highlighted Rufai’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in Tunisia, where he served as the first-choice goalkeeper, and the nation’s groundbreaking debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Tinubu said: “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.
“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.”
The President also offered prayers for the repose of the deceased soul and comfort to his family and all who mourn him.
