by OKORO CHINEDU
LAGOS – CONDOLENCES are pouring in for the former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, rated one of the best glovemen to emerge in Africa.
He passed away after an undisclosed illness on Thursday, aged 61, on a sad day for international football.
That is because Rufai’s death coincided with the demise of Portuguese international, Diogo Jota, and Zimbabwean star, Brian Banda.
Liverpool forward, Jota, perished alongside footballing brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident.
Banda was also involved in a car crash.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu sent condolences for the nation’s ex-goalkeeper.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The Lagos-born Rufai was also a member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.
“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 including Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Rufai was a Prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos.
Nicknamed the Dodo Mayana, Rufai was an imposing figure as Nigeria’s line of defence.
“Dodo Mayana was a living, breathing highlight reel,” said Bukola Saraki, Nigeria Senate president.
After retiring, he established the Staruf Football Academy.
“A dark day in football today,” lamented Nigerian and African football legend, Nwankwo Kanu.
– CAJ News
