Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Advertise with us Friday, July 4
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    VIDEOS
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Home»News

    Nigerian Football Legend, Peter Rufai, Dies At 61 After Brief Illness

    Platform Times NewspaperBy Platform Times NewspaperJuly 3, 2025 News No Comments2 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in Lagos on Thursday at the age of 61 after reportedly battling illness for several weeks.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement confirming his death, described the late goalkeeper—fondly called “Dodo Mayana”—as a “charismatic and disciplined” sportsman whose post-retirement years were devoted to mentoring young talents across the country.

    According to the NFF, Rufai died around 6am and his remains have since been deposited at a morgue in Lagos.

    “Peter Rufai was more than a goalkeeper; he was a pillar of Nigerian football for nearly two decades.

    “His contribution to the development of the game, both on and off the pitch, is immeasurable,” the statement read in part.

    Rufai’s national career began in 1981 when he debuted for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match.

    He went on to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during three African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments—winning silver in 1984 and 1988, and clinching gold at the 1994 edition in Tunisia.

    He earned over 60 caps for Nigeria in a career that spanned 17 years and was among the golden generation of players that also featured in Nigeria’s maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in the USA in 1994.

    His death marks yet another painful blow to the legendary 1994 squad, which has now lost several of its iconic members including Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Thompson Oliha.

    Beyond his exploits on the pitch, Rufai was deeply admired for his humility and passion for youth development.

    In retirement, he founded football academies and organised coaching clinics across states—actions which earned him respect far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    Tributes have continued to pour in from ex-internationals, football stakeholders, and fans, many of whom described him as a national icon who gave his all to the beautiful game.

    As the nation mourns, the NFF said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course in consultation with the Rufai family.

    Peter Rufai is survived by his wife and children.

    Pelican Valley'
    Cattle Bizness Network'
    The Rehla'
    Pelican Valley'

    Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

    We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE

    Pelican Valley
    Platform Times Newspaper
    • Website

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    Keep Reading

    DisCos Rake In ₦553bn Q1 Revenue, Missed ₦744bn Target — NERC

    Reps Begin Zonal Hearings on State Creation, LG Autonomy, Policing

    Troops Arrest Three Over Abduction Of NDLEA Commander In Anambra

    Kidnapped Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom After 12 Days In Captivity

    Nigeria’s Democracy Is Broken, Youth Must Rise — Showunmi Declares in Abeokuta

    Buhari Alive, Stable, Bashir Ahmad Dispels Death Rumours

    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    We're social. Connect with us:

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest update news

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app
    © 2025, All Rights Reserved | Platform Times Newspaper | Powered By CyberWarrior

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.