By Moses Okorie
Tributes have continued to trickle in from former football stars, sports administrators and political leaders following announcement of the dead of former Nigerian number 1 goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
Former Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia, has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of his former teammate, Peter Rufai, aged 61.
Siasia, who shared a room with Rufai during the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., said on Thursday in Lagos that it was shocking.
Another late Peter Rufai’s Super Eagles teammates, Mutiu Adepoju paid tribute to the iconic goalkeeper who passed away.
Similarly, Mr Sani Toro, a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association, also offered condolences over the death of the international goalkeeping legend.
Adepoju described Rufai’s death as a painful loss, saying he was one of the longest-serving goalkeepers in the Super Eagles.
On his part, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also described the death of 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.
Recall that former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai was reported dead at the age of 61 on Thursday night after battling with prolonged illness.
Dodomayana, as he is fondly called, was widely regarded as of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has produced.
During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
He also represented Nigeria at two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Rufai’s death comes on a day the world of football is mourning Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota.
Jota died in a car crash in Spain earlier in the day, alongside his brother.