CAF President Mourns Peter Rufai

The President of the Confederation African of Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, expressed his deep condolences and the condolences of the 54 CAF Member Associations to the family of the late Peter Rufai, former captain of the Nigerian National Football Team, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the entire Nigerian football community. Peter Rufai, 61, passed away on Thursday 3 July 2025. Rufai represented Nigeria at the highest level, including two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 and several CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. CAF President, Dr Motsepe said: “Peter Rufai is part of a special generation of African Football players who made the people of Nigeria and the entire African Continent very proud. He was an enormously talented footballer player and was respected in Africa and globally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its President Ibrahim Gusau, his former teammates and the people of Nigeria. ‘Dodo Mayana’ will forever live in our hearts and minds. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”

Read More

SWAN Wants FG To Immortalise Ex-Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed grief over the demise of Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described Rufai as a patriot who made Nigeria proud as his legacies linger. The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria while remembering the footprints of hardwork, dedication and abundant results credited to Rufai over the years, called on the Federal Government to make plans to immortalise the late Sage in any memorable way possible. “It’s our desire and I believe that of entire Nigerians that immortalising Peter Rufai will among other things serve as a source of inspiration for younger generation,” he said. President Benjamin then commiserated with his immediate family members, football and entire sports fraternity for the loss of a rare soccer figure. He said, “On behalf of the entire Sporting Media in Nigeria, I wish to commiserate with the family, and indeed concerned Football and Sports Stakeholders over the death of our legend. “Yes, Peter Rufai served Nigeria meritorious, mostly during his playing days, but I fill his advice and experience were still needed for a more prosperous sports development, but the reason for his departure from this side of life at this time is only known or determined by God Almighty. “May his soul continuously find rest in eternity.” Rufai’s life time, especially in his active playing days as a footballer is one filled with numerous success stories. From the clubs he featured for, to the Senior Men National team, he made an indelible impacts which will hardly be forgotten.

Read More