Sanwo-Olu mourns Peter Rufai
Story From Jameel Lawan Yakasai
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the death of ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Rufai’s passing is painful and a huge blow to Nigerian football.
He condoled with Rufai’s family, friends, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission.
Former Nigerian international goalkeeper Peter Rufai died at the age of 61.
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The death of the former Super Eagles shot-stopper was confirmed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by a senior official of the Lagos State Government.
Peter Rufai passed away on Thursday morning following a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public in recent months.
Widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, Rufai earned 65 international caps for the Super Eagles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rufai was part of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning team. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria.
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He described Rufai, fondly known as Dodomayana, as a football legend who proudly wore the Green-White-Green jersey.
Rufai, born on Aug. 24, 1963, had a football career that spanned over two decades.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The death of Dodomayana, also known as Peter Rufai, is a painful loss to Lagos and Nigeria.
“Our country has lost a national icon and one of the finest goalkeepers in its football history.”
He noted that Rufai served Nigeria with passion, winning laurels and earning global respect in international competitions.
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Rufai represented Nigeria as first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
“On behalf of Lagos State, I extend heartfelt condolences to Nigerians and Lagosians who remember him from Stationery Stores Football Club,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He hailed Rufai as a proud ambassador of Lagos and Nigeria who will be greatly missed.
“I pray God grants the family, friends and fans the strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Sanwo-Olu prayed.
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