House Committee on Sports Expresses Sorrow As Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies At 61

House Committee on Sports Expresses Sorrow As Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies At 61

By Niyi Busari 

The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died at the age of 61.

In a statement issued on Friday, Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Kabiru Amadu, extended heartfelt condolences to Rufai's family, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government, and football enthusiasts across the country and beyond.

“On behalf of the House Committee on Sports, I commiserate with the family and all those affected by the loss of a true Nigerian sports legend,” Amadu stated. “Peter Rufai was not only a patriot, but a symbol of excellence in Nigerian football, whose dedication and talent brought pride to the nation.”

Amadu recalled Rufai's memorable contributions to Nigerian football, particularly his pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in Tunisia and his participation in the country’s debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year in the United States, where the Super Eagles impressed by finishing among the tournament's top five teams.

Fondly known as "Dodomayana" by fans, Rufai began his professional career with Stationery Stores FC in Lagos in 1980. He was among the first Nigerian footballers to move abroad, featuring for clubs in Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain. His pioneering journey paved the way for future generations of Nigerian players in Europe.

Following his retirement, Rufai dedicated himself to youth development, investing personal resources into founding the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos. The academy nurtured young talents and served as a grassroots hub for aspiring footballers.

Amadu praised Rufai's lifelong commitment to the sport and prayed for strength and comfort for his family and loved ones in this time of grief.