OBITUARY
Nigeria’s apex sports body, NSC, Mourns Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.” The revered shot-stopper passed away at the age of 61.
In a statement signed by Dr Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press, the NSC described Rufai as more than a national hero—he was a global ambassador for Nigerian football, whose fearless performances and charismatic presence left an indelible mark on the sport and millions of fans.
Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, paid an emotional tribute, saying: “This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero; he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also honoured the late goalkeeper, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian sports.
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian football. His commitment to the game, both on and off the pitch, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts,” Olopade stated.
Rufai was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, playing a crucial role in the team’s historic 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia and representing the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cups in the USA (1994) and France (1998), where Nigeria reached the Round of 16 on both occasions.
At club level, his career spanned top leagues in Europe, with stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He notably played for Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF, earning acclaim for his commanding presence and reflexes.
Following his retirement, Rufai remained dedicated to the development of Nigerian football. He founded youth goalkeeping academies and mentored the next generation of talents, leaving a lasting legacy as a player, coach, and role model.
The NSC extended its heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire football community, stating that “Dodo Mayana’s legacy will forever live in the hearts of those he inspired.”
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Spanish fifth-division goalkeeper Raul Ramirez has died at the age of 19 following a collision during a match for his club Colindres, the Cantabrian Football Federation (RFCF) said on Monday.
Ramirez sustained a head injury during Saturday’s game against Revilla, with Spanish media reporting that the impact led to multiple cardiac arrests and left him brain dead.
The RFCF announced three days of mourning and said a minute’s silence would be observed at all matches next week in his memory.
-Reuters
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Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the two Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs announced late on Saturday.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 during his first stint at the club, before returning to the side in 2021 and guiding them back to the top-flight after two seasons in the second tier.
He left Liverpool in February, with his last coaching role coming in a brief spell in charge of Burnley between June and August.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.”
Beard began his managerial career at Millwall before moving to Chelsea in 2009. He also coached West Ham United, Boston Breakers and Bristol City.
-Reuters
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OBITUARY
Grand master, Danladi Bako pays tribute to the late journalist and football agent, Chris Eseka
Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako, who masterminded the television programme, Mastesports on the NTA network, has paid glowing tributes to one of the anchors of the programme, Chris Eseka, who was also a former sports journalist and football agent.
In the tribute titled:” A Master Departs for Home”, Dr Bako remarks:
In 1991, at the National Stadium Surulere, after watching a boxing event together, along with Group Captain Brai Ayonote, former Boxing Federation Chairman, I told Chris I wanted him to join Paul Bassey and Sam John as a presenter for my new programme, Mastersports”, scheduled for live transmission soon on NTA 2.
He looked at me and was quiet for a while. I said, “What do you think?”, he replied “But I am not a TV presenter nah”.
I said I will train you, besides even SJ (Sam John) of the Sunday Times is on the show and Paul Bassey.
He then said,”I will do it if you say so”.
“MasterSports” went on air one February Saturday, at noon on NTA 2 Channel 5. Chris became part of the success story.
Always ready to learn, always ready to improve and ever so humble, especially the way he handled fame. He mentored so many sportswriters as well as young footballers and advised even the established stars.
Before 1992, we had travelled severally times together to cover football matches all over Africa, like the Nigeria versus Cameroon World Cup qualifying in Yaounde in 1989.
Same with tournaments like the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi ’89 in Saudi Arabia and Algiers ’90 in Algeria.
Chris had the respect of such big-time coaches as Amodu Shaibu and Concord Publisher Bashorun MKO Abiola, and we regularly saw the Pillar of Sports together. Sometimes, without earlier plans, on a normal Saturday afternoon, we could hop into my car and drive to Abeokuta to watch Abiola Babes trade tackles with Leventis United just like that.
In 1994, I arrived in Tunis a day late for the opening ceremony of the CAF/AFCON tourney and couldn’t get a room at Hotel Diplomat, where the team was lodged, Chris opened his doors at room 108 for me to share with him.
I can go on and on about this very reliable friend and brother.
Chris was a committed sports journalist, refined, diligent and professional. When Tony Ubani and Frank Ilaboya of Sportsville gave me an award for Sports some years ago, I dedicated it to Chris.
Rest in peace, my brother. This was very hard to write. Good night, Chris Eseka, one of the Masters!
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