President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria following the elder statesman’s death in London earlier today.

The late President Buhari died at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness, according to an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

In response to the solemn development, President Tinubu has spoken with the late President’s widow, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and extended his condolences on behalf of the nation.

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

The President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Nigerian football.

In a heartfelt tribute on Friday, Ladipo lamented the growing number of fallen Nigerian sports heroes and called for national reflection and prayer in the wake of Rufai’s demise.

“Another big tree has fallen. What is it that is happening to our heroes? Why are we losing them one after the other?” he asked in an emotional statement. “Oh God, Peter Rufai is gone. The man who served Nigeria meritoriously for years.”

Ladipo fondly recalled Rufai’s iconic role in Nigeria’s football history, particularly his contribution to the national team’s success in the 1990s.

“He was our number one goalkeeper in Tunisia ’94, when we won the Africa Cup of Nations. He stood tall again at the USA ’94 World Cup and was there in France ’98. He was a winner all the time.”

Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61. He remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, with a legacy that spans more than a decade of international service and over 60 caps for the Super Eagles.

Ladipo is devastated by the death of Peter Rufai

Ladipo expressed pain that Rufai died at a time he was still actively giving back to Nigerian football and youth development. “How could Peter Rufai leave when he was trying to give back, at a time he was needed most?” he asked.

He called on Nigerians to unite in prayers for the country, especially its athletes and sports heroes. “We must come together and start to fervently pray for this country, asking God Almighty to kindly have mercy,” he urged.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Ladipo concluded.

The late Rufai’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, fans, and sports administrators across the country and beyond.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Peter Rufai, describing the legendary shot-stopper as his idol and a major influence on his football career.

In an emotional message following Rufai’s passing on Thursday, July 3, Shorunmu, who also manned the posts for the Super Eagles and Lagos-based Stationery Stores FC, revealed how the late Rufai’s charisma and goalkeeping brilliance inspired his own journey into the sport.

“Dodomayana was just a wonderful personality on and off the field,” Shorunmu stated, using Rufai’s popular nickname. “Because of him, I joined Stationery Stores FC. I admired him a lot when he was playing for Stores.”

Shorunmu, who eventually rose to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, said meeting Rufai in the national team was a dream come true. He credited the late captain with shaping his goalkeeping skills through valuable mentorship.

“When we now met in the national team, he taught me different things which I will not forget quickly,” he added. “Adieu, my idol Peter Rufai. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. I will miss you, Dodomayana.”

Rufai, who died at the age of 61, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and helped the Super Eagles lift the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. He also captained the team in several crucial matches and is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers of all time.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from former teammates, football administrators, and fans both in Nigeria and abroad.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H