OBITUARY
NPFL Mourns Peter Rufai, Hails Late Goalkeeper as a True Legend of Nigerian Football
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Nigerian football community.
Rufai, a former goalkeeper for the iconic Lagos club, Stationery Stores, and a key figure in Nigeria’s international football history, was reported to have died on Thursday from an undisclosed ailment.
In a statement, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye paid tribute to the late football icon, recalling his immense contributions both on and off the pitch.
“Rufai was a true gentleman and a great ambassador of our league.
“He remained committed to the growth of domestic football and was always willing to lend his presence and voice to NPFL events, including workshops and fixture draws,” Elegbeleye said.
He praised Rufai for his inspirational role to younger players, especially those aspiring to follow in his footsteps from the domestic league to international stardom.
“To the younger generation of players, he was a big brother and mentor. He started from the home league like many of them and went on to play in Europe and at the highest level for Nigeria,” Elegbeleye noted.
“Even after retirement, he remained active in the football community, organizing goalkeeping boot camps to train and mentor upcoming talents.”
Elegbeleye extended the NPFL’s condolences to Rufai’s immediate family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the wider Nigerian sports family, stating that, “Nigeria has lost a legend.”
Peter Rufai’s illustrious career spanned over a decade and a half in the national team, beginning with his debut in a friendly match in December 1981. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments—helping the country to silver medals in 1984 and 1988 and playing a pivotal role in the historic 1994 triumph in Tunisia.
Renowned for his charisma, discipline, and flamboyant style, Rufai also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Until his death, Rufai remained committed to youth development in Nigerian football, using his post-playing years to discover and nurture emerging goalkeeping talents.
His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted in Nigerian football.
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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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