OBITUARY
Nigeria Mourns: Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies at 61
The Nigerian football community was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday following confirmation that Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, has died.
The iconic shot-stopper, fondly known as Dodomayana, passed away in Lagos at about 6 a.m. after a brief illness.
The news, which initially spread quietly, was later confirmed by a senior Lagos State Government official and corroborated by former international Waidi Akanni, who disclosed that Rufai’s remains had been deposited in a Lagos hospital.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and deep sorrow at the passing of one of the country’s greatest footballers.
“This is really, really shocking,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, from Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.
We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigerian football family.”
A Storied Career
Peter Rufai made his international debut in December 1981 in a friendly match for the then Green Eagles, marking the beginning of a 17-year journey in the national team. He went on to become a stalwart in goal, representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup with distinction.
He was between the sticks when Nigeria won AFCON 1994 in Tunisia—Nigeria’s second continental title. Before then, he was also part of the squads that finished runners-up in 1984 and 1988. He featured as Nigeria’s No. 1 goalkeeper in all three tournaments.
Rufai was also the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98 World Cups, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16 in both tournaments, and earning plaudits for his calm presence, agility, and leadership.
Club Career & Legacy
Domestically, Rufai made his mark with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, with whom he reached the final of the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup. He later moved abroad, enjoying professional stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight side Deportivo La Coruña.
After retiring from active football, Rufai dedicated his life to youth development and coaching, notably running the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and serving briefly as coordinator of Nigeria’s U-23 team.
A Life Remembered
Born into royalty—he was the son of a king—Rufai earned the nickname Dodomayana, a nod to both his noble heritage and charismatic presence. Off the pitch, he was known for his discipline, humour, and deep love for Nigerian football.
His sudden passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans, former teammates, and aspiring goalkeepers who saw him as a role model.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
Peter Rufai (1963–2025)
Rest in peace, legend.
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Former head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead. He passed away late Monday evening, four days after celebrating his 88th birthday.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued on behalf of the family by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi, who disclosed that the veteran football tactician had been ill for some time.
Onigbinde, one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators and coaches, first took charge of the national team in 1983, succeeding Brazilian coach Otto Gloria. During his tenure, he led the then Green Eagles to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished runners-up.
Nearly two decades later, Onigbinde etched his name further into Nigerian football history when he became the first indigenous coach to lead the national team to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He guided the Nigeria national football team to the tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Widely respected for his discipline, tactical knowledge and commitment to youth development, Onigbinde remained an influential voice in Nigerian football long after his coaching career.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
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The Nigerian sports media community has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two respected football journalists and administrators, Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu.
Their passing has triggered tributes from colleagues across the country who remember them as dedicated professionals who made meaningful contributions to sports journalism and football administration.
Oyeleke’s Legacy in Broadcast Sports Journalism
Oyeleke, a former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, was widely respected for his work in broadcast sports journalism.
During his career, he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority, where he was part of the network’s sports reporting team, before later contributing to coverage on SuperSport.
As Lagos SWAN chairman, Oyeleke was known for his efforts to strengthen the professional standing of sports journalists and promote unity within the association.
Colleagues recall him as a calm, thoughtful voice within the sports media fraternity, always willing to mentor younger journalists entering the profession.
Chukwu Remembered in Nigerian Club Football
Tonex Chukwu, who also passed away, built a strong reputation within Nigerian club football circles, particularly through his work as media officer of Enyimba FC, one of the country’s most successful teams.
He later served as coordinator for Heartland FC, contributing to the organisation and administration of the club during his tenure.
Friends and colleagues describe Chukwu as a passionate football communicator who played an important role in bridging the relationship between clubs, supporters and the media.
Tributes Pour In
News of their deaths has prompted an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s sports community, with journalists, club officials and administrators remembering both men for their commitment to the game.
Many have taken to social media and professional platforms to honour their memories and reflect on the impact they made within the industry.
As tributes continue to flow, colleagues say the legacies of Oyeleke and Chukwu will endure through the many journalists and football professionals whose careers and lives they touched.
The Nigerian sports community has also extended heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult period.
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Veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset, who was fired at the last Africa Cup of Nations by Ivory Coast before they went on to win the trophy, has died aged 72, his former French club Montpellier announced on Friday.
Hosts Ivory Coast were sensationally beaten 4-0 by minnows Equatorial Guinea in their last group game at the 2023 edition in the biggest upset in tournament history, finishing third in their group.
Gasset was dismissed after the shock defeat but the Ivorians earned a reprieve as one of the best third placed finishers to qualify for the knockout rounds and eventually won the title under Gasset’s assistant Emerse Fae.
One month after returning to France, Gasset was appointed coach at Olympique de Marseille but stayed for only four months.
He went back to Montpellier last season but when they were headed for relegation, he was sacked in April.
Gasset spent most of his playing career at Montpellier, where his father had been one of the club founders.
The cause of death was not given.
Reuters
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