The Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria YSFON has expressed deepest shock at the unfortunate death of Nigeria’s Goalkeeping legend Peter Rufai
In a statement signed on Friday, YSFON President Dr Nasiru Gawuna offered his heartfelt condolences to Nigerians and family of the goalkeeper fondly called Dodo Mayana.
Gawuna says the Youth sports body prays to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family,
The National Executive Committee NEC was also sad on hearing the news of Peter Rufai’s death. It sympathised with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, and the Nigerian Football Federation
Nigeria’s football community was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the news of the death of the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who died at 61, in Lagos following a brief illness.
Former Nigeria international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, confirmed the death of Dodo Manyana. He also confirmed that the body had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.
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Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
The disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time.
Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
