Super Eagles legend Tarila Emmanuel Eguavon, popularly known as Eguavon, has appealed to the Nigerian government to immortalise the late goalkeeper Peter Rufai through a lasting national tribute. The request comes in the wake of Rufai’s death on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a brief illness in Lagos.
Eguavon emphasised Rufai’s immense contribution to Nigerian football, pointing out that his achievements at both club and international level make him worthy of a memorial. “He stood tall for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups,” Eguavon stated, highlighting Rufai’s critical presence as first-choice goalkeeper in those tournaments and Nigeria’s triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Describing Rufai as a pioneer who enhanced Nigeria’s presence on the global stage, Eguavon asserted that a national sports facility or a national award in Rufai’s name would appropriately honour his legacy. He also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to standardise memorials for past stars, ensuring future legends are celebrated while alive
Eguavon’s call echoes widespread tributes from across the nation. President Bola Tinubu remembered Rufai as “a patriotic sportsman who wrote his name in gold” while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the goalkeeper’s loss was “a painful blow to Nigerian football. Fellow football greats like Sunday Oliseh and Ahmed Musa also mourned the loss of “Dodo Mayana,” whose calm presence and heroics were etched into Nigeria’s golden football era.
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Editorial
We see Eguavon’s plea not just as a tribute to Rufai, but as a wake-up call for our nation. When a man who helped define our footballing greatness is laid to rest with little fanfare, what does it say about our values.
We believe that Rufai’s legacy deserves more than fleeting headlines it merits lasting recognition. A stadium or academy in his name would symbolise respect and serve as a beacon for coming generations. It would say excellence is seen, remembered and honoured.
Nigeria must move beyond momentary applause. We must constructively honour those who have lifted our flag with pride. Only then will we ensure that future talents know the depth of our gratitude, and that heroes are celebrated while they still walk amongst us.
Let this be our collective vow to build memorials that stand, stories that inspire, and a culture that honours its heroes long after the cheers have faded.
Did You Know?
- Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria between 1983 and 1998, even scoring a rare penalty in a 6–0 win over Ethiopia during the 1994 AFCON qualifiers.
- He was part of Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign at USA ’94 and also featured in France 1998.
- At club level, Rufai played across Europe including stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain lining up for teams like Lokeren, Deportivo La Coruña and Farense.
- s nickname “Dodo Mayana” became legendary during the mid‑1990s golden age of Super Eagles football.
- After retiring, Rufai founded the Staruf Football Academy, contributing significantly to youth development and mentoring future stars.
