OBITUARY
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
The family of the late Nigerian legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has issued an official statement concerning the passing on of the former footballer. The statement, signed by 11 members of the family, reads:
“With total submission to the will of Almighty God, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition to glory of our father and brother, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, PRINCE PETER “DODO MANYANA” RUFAI.
“He died at Six O’clock in the morning on Thursday, 3rd of July, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 61 years old.
“Despite our shock and sadness at his rather sudden demise, we are indeed extremely grateful to God Almighty for the impactful life that he granted Prince Peter Rufai through a very successful football career that made him to become world famous.
“From a humble beginning with Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt in the late 1970s, he rose steadily through the ranks in the national team to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98.
“He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at Tunisia ‘94. Altogether, he won 66 caps with the national team and scored one goal.
“Prince Peter Rufai also enjoyed a successful club career that took him from home in Nigeria to Benin Republic, Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
“He finally returned home to Nigeria after his retirement to set up Staruf Sports Development Limited, through which he got involved in grassroots sports and youth development. That was his full-time engagement until he was called home by his Lord.
“The Rufai Family would like to thank all Nigerians at home and abroad who have been reaching out to us with condolence messages either directly or through the media since the news broke of Prince Peter Rufai’s death.
“We thank everyone for your love and expression of sympathy. A formal announcement of the burial arrangements will be made in due course.”
The family statement was signed by the following: Yomi Bruce Rufai (Younger Brother), Gladys Apata (Elder Sister), Pastor Mrs. Bosede Rufai Lawson Jack (Younger Sister), Dele Rufai Emizibo (Younger Sister), Don Okikiola I. Rufai (Son), Tunde Rufai (Son), Confidence Rufai (Daughter), Biodun Rufai (Son), Bright Rufai (Son) and David Rufai (Son).
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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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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Norbert Okolie, the Media Director of Rangers International FC, describing his passing as a major loss to the Nigerian sports community.
Okolie, a respected journalist and administrator, died over the weekend. Until his death, he served as the Media Director of the Enugu-based NPFL side and previously chaired the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). He was also a member of the association’s national council.
In a condolence statement, NPFL Media Director Harry Iwuala paid tribute to Okolie’s professionalism and dedication, noting that he was one of the most outstanding media officers in the league.
“I have worked and am still working with NPFL clubs’ Media Directors, and Norbert was one of the few who distinguished himself in the way he engaged the public, especially the sporting media, on behalf of his club,” Iwuala said.
He added that Okolie’s background as a photojournalist enriched his work and elevated the quality of media content produced for the club, the league, and the wider public.
Iwuala extended heartfelt condolences to Okolie’s family, Rangers International, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, and members of the NPFL Media Directors Association.
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