The sudden passing of Peter Rufai, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has sent shockwaves throughout the Nigerian football fraternity and the global football community. Rufai’s demise on July 3, 2025, after a protracted illness, has thrown the football world into mourning.
Coach John Obuh, Chairman of Abia State Football Club, expressed his condolences in a chat with Abia Warriors Media. “We are all shocked to learn of the passing of Dodo Mayana. Nigeria has lost a legend of the game, an icon of football, and a warrior who mesmerized us with his goalkeeping heroics during his heyday,” Obuh lamented.
Obuh eulogized the fallen hero, saying, “Rufai was a true ambassador of the game. He conducted himself with humility, dignity, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field of play. A great professional who took national assignments seriously, even to the detriment of his club career.”
The former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 Head Coach reminisced about Rufai’s iconic penalty save against Algeria in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, which qualified Nigeria for the final. “We will never forget that moment, I think it was that game that endeared him to Nigerians” Obuh said.
Obuh also highlighted Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football beyond his playing career. “As a retired footballer, he held workshops to mentor upcoming athletes. His legacy will surely inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers.”
Rufai’s illustrious career included helping the Nigeria Super Eagles win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the country at two FIFA World Cups as the first choice goalkeeper (1994 and 1998). He earned 65 caps for the Nigeria senior national team. His passing is a great loss to Nigerian football, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.