The Nigerian football community was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday following confirmation that Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, has died.

The iconic shot-stopper, fondly known as Dodomayana, passed away in Lagos at about 6 a.m. after a brief illness.

The news, which initially spread quietly, was later confirmed by a senior Lagos State Government official and corroborated by former international Waidi Akanni, who disclosed that Rufai’s remains had been deposited in a Lagos hospital.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and deep sorrow at the passing of one of the country’s greatest footballers.

“This is really, really shocking,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, from Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.
We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigerian football family.”

A Storied Career

Peter Rufai made his international debut in December 1981 in a friendly match for the then Green Eagles, marking the beginning of a 17-year journey in the national team. He went on to become a stalwart in goal, representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup with distinction.

He was between the sticks when Nigeria won AFCON 1994 in Tunisia—Nigeria’s second continental title. Before then, he was also part of the squads that finished runners-up in 1984 and 1988. He featured as Nigeria’s No. 1 goalkeeper in all three tournaments.

Rufai was also the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98 World Cups, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16 in both tournaments, and earning plaudits for his calm presence, agility, and leadership.

Club Career & Legacy

Domestically, Rufai made his mark with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, with whom he reached the final of the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup. He later moved abroad, enjoying professional stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight side Deportivo La Coruña.

After retiring from active football, Rufai dedicated his life to youth development and coaching, notably running the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and serving briefly as coordinator of Nigeria’s U-23 team.

A Life Remembered

Born into royalty—he was the son of a king—Rufai earned the nickname Dodomayana, a nod to both his noble heritage and charismatic presence. Off the pitch, he was known for his discipline, humour, and deep love for Nigerian football.

His sudden passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans, former teammates, and aspiring goalkeepers who saw him as a role model.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.

Peter Rufai (1963–2025)
Rest in peace, legend.

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

Following are quotes and reactions to the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain on Thursday:

LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

“The club have been informed that the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and requests the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER JUERGEN KLOPP

“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!”

PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER LUIS MONTENEGRO

“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”

PORTUGAL AND AL-NASSR PLAYER CRISTIANO RONALDO

“It doesn’t make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got married.

“To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”

MANCHESTER UNITED AND PORTUGAL PLAYER BRUNO FERNANDES

“There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

“I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is, I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children.”

LA LAKERS PLAYER AND LIVERPOOL MINORITY OWNER LEBRON JAMES

“My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

“Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.”

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

“There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this.

“It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family.”

PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT PEDRO PROENCA

“Portuguese football is devastated. The Portuguese federation, this generation of players are mourning. Diogo was what we all want to be, was a reference for Portuguese football, was a talent of his generation…”

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”

LIVERPOOL GREAT KENNY DALGLISH

“Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.

“Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre.”

PORTUGAL PLAYER RUBEN NEVES

“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”

LIVERPOOL PLAYER DARWIN NUNEZ

“There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

“I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children.”

UEFA PRESIDENT ALEKSANDER CEFERIN

“Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.

“His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.”

PENAFIEL FC, ANDRE SILVA’S CLUB

“The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation.

“At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo.

“The club will declare official mourning and will pay tribute at its upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace.”

-Reuters

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

Liverpool Football Club said it was devastated by the death of its player, Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club wrote on social media on Thursday.

-Reuters

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