Former Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, and ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar have sent their condolences to the family of the late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
Peter Rufai died in Lagos on Thursday, July 3, after a brief illness at 61 years old. He became one of the most respected Nigerian footballers after leading the country to win the 1994 AFCON.
Rufai also helped the Super Eagles to reach the round of 16 in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals as a first-choice goalkeeper.
“Rest in Power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana”, Peter Obi wrote on his official 𝕏 handle.
“I just received the heartbreaking news of the death of one of Nigeria’s patriotic football legends, Peter Rufai.
“Peter Rufai is unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, who has now passed away at the age of 61.
“As a passionate football fan, I can confidently say that Peter Rufai’s career was extremely legendary, so much so that he earned the iconic nickname ‘Dodo Mayana’.
“Rufai stood tall for Nigeria, especially during our 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 FIFA World Cup that shook the world. He gave us moments we will never forget and saved that lifted the whole nation.
“I pray that his family finds comfort in knowing he was loved, respected, and will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 election, described Peter Rufai’s demise as “a profound loss to the global football community.”
The former vice president wrote on 𝕏: “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana. His death is a profound loss to the global football community.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Peter Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed.”
