Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the death of ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, as a great loss to Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor said Rufai’s passing is painful and a huge blow to Nigerian football.
He condoled with Rufai’s family, friends, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rufai was part of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning team. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria.
He described Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, as a football legend who proudly wore the Green-White-Green jersey.
Rufai, born on Aug. 24, 1963, had a football career that spanned over two decades.
Sanwo-Olu said: “The death of Dodomayana, also known as Peter Rufai, is a painful loss to Lagos and Nigeria.
“Our country has lost a national icon and one of the finest goalkeepers in its football history.”
He noted that Rufai served Nigeria with passion, winning laurels and earning global respect in international competitions.
Rufai represented Nigeria as first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
He was instrumental to Nigeria’s victory at the 1994 African Cup of Nations held in Tunisia.
“On behalf of Lagos State, I extend heartfelt condolences to Nigerians and Lagosians who remember him from Stationery Stores Football Club,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He hailed Rufai as a proud ambassador of Lagos and Nigeria who will be greatly missed.
“I pray God grants the family, friends and fans the strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Sanwo-Olu prayed. (NAN)
