Tributes have continued to pour in for Nigeria’s Super Eagles goal tender, Peter Rufai, who died in the early hours of Thursday July 3, 2025 after a brief illness. The legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, passed away at the age of 61, his family confirmed in a statement on recently. “With total submission to the will of Almighty God, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition to glory of our father and brother… Prince Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai,” the Rufai family said in the statement. Describing his death as an irreplaceable loss, the family praised Rufai’s life of patriotism, excellence, and inspiration. “Despite our shock and sadness at his rather sudden demise, we are extremely grateful to God Almighty for the impactful life that he granted Prince Peter Rufai through a very successful football career that made him world famous.” A Storied Football Career Peter Rufai began his football journey with Sharks Football Club in Port Harcourt in the late 1970s and rose to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper, representing the nation at USA ‘94 and France ‘98. He featured in four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic 1994 AFCON victory in Tunisia. He earned 66 caps for the national team and notably scored one goal during his international career. “From humble beginnings… he rose steadily through the ranks to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper,” the statement recalled. His club career spanned several countries, including Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he earned recognition for his outstanding performances. Life After Football After retiring from professional football, Rufai returned to Nigeria and focused on youth development, founding Staruf Sports Development Limited, a grassroots sports initiative aimed at nurturing young talent. “That was his full-time engagement until he was called home by his Lord,” the family said. National and International Tributes Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and the international football community. The family expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and condolence messages received. “We thank everyone for your love and expression of sympathy. A formal announcement of the burial arrangements will be made in due course,” the statement concluded. Prince Peter Rufai’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers remains etched in the nation’s sporting history.
Tribute pours in for Nigeria’s super goal tender, Peter Rufai
