Peter Rufai: Final Interview of Late Super Eagles Legend and His Plans Before His Demise, Video
- Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai passed away last Thursday at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness
- He was Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper in the 90s and won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Tunisia
- The Stationery Stores legend shared plans for his book launch with a sports news veteran days before his passing
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Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON‑winning goalkeeper and two‑time World Cup hero, passed away in Lagos at dawn on July 3, aged 61.
The news came as a rude awakening to the football community and Nigerians who are huge fans of the goalkeeper.
Source: Getty Images
Initial reports merely cited a prolonged illness, but Spanish outlet Cadena SER has since reported that Rufai suffered a cardiac arrest at home after struggling with a chronic heart condition.
The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), former and current Super Eagles players, and many well-wishers, have paid their tributes to the fallen hero, per Vanguard.
Rufai's plans before his demise - Enakhena
Veteran sports journalist, Godwin Enakhena, released an emotional video of late Rufai, where he stated his intention before his demise.
The former chairman of the defunct MFM FC explained that the Super Eagles legend was desperate to publish his book, titled My Story.
"My last interview with Peter Rufai. He desperately wanted to publish his book, My Story, but like a thief in the night, death came visiting. Rest in peace, Dodo Mayana."
Peter Rufai planned to launch a book
The 1994 AFCON winner said plans were underway to launch his book in June.
Rufai, who is the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play at any FIFA World Cup, revealed that the book highlights the comparison between ex-internationals and the current crop of players.
"This book is going to be launched in the month of June, early June. The title of this book is 'My Story'. My birthday is coming in August, and I will be 63 years old.
"The book is taking me through the memories with the Nigerian fans and what I have observed about them, the players from that era (ex-Super Eagles stars), compared to this era, and the book is also giving a clear picture of what our performances were on the pitch, individually."
Source: Getty Images
"The book will state how I started my football career right from Port Harcourt, leaving the school, and how I came to Lagos with a night bus. The book is going to give those memories the clarification needed.
"I am from Lagos state from my father's side, and my mother is from Port Harcourt in Rivers State; I am a crown prince, the son of a king."
Reactions to Peter Rufai's final interview
Legit.ng compiled reactions that trailed the video. Read them below:
Akin Adeoya said:
"Oh my God. Thank God you had the presence of mind to capture this. For posterity."
John Abiodun Olaitan wrote:
"Very unfortunately, Dodomayana won’t ever get to write a column in your book again — May his soul rest in heavenly and eternal peace."
Biodun Alabi added:
"He died a proud man...I sense he didn't want to bother anybody, otherwise, we would have read of his condition. So sad. Rest in peace, Dodo Mayana."
Ajibade Fasina-thomas said:
"Thank you, Godwin, for pulling this out of the archives. Peter Rufai is free from all wahala now. May his sporting soul find peace in heaven."
Oyetunji A Ojo wrote:
"Rest on Peter 'Keeper' Rufai Dodo Mayana. This book must be launched and dedicated to the Peter Rufai Foundation."
Rufai’s life a mirror of Nigerian perseverance - Expert
A sports expert, Dr Adekunle Ayodele Olusola, has described the late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai as a powerful symbol of resilience and national aspiration following his final interview before his death.
The sports psychologist told Legit.ng:
"Rufai's journey from humble beginnings to international stardom mirrors the aspirations of millions of Nigerians. His story of perseverance through challenges, setbacks, and eventual triumph resonates deeply with fans who saw their struggles reflected in his path."
"The emotional connection isn't just about celebrating success; it is about identifying with someone who has overcome similar obstacles to reach extraordinary heights.”
Former Golden Eaglets coach is dead
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Golden Eaglets coach Hassan Abubakar passed away after a prolonged illness.
The former Abubakar Bukola Saraki coach was buried according to Islamic rites in Zaria, Kaduna, on July 8, 2025.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a sports expert for this report.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.
Adekunle Ayodele Olusola (Sports Psychologist and Mental Performance Expert) Dr Adekunle Ayodele Olusola, is a lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Lagos. Specialising in emotional regulation and mental skills training, he helps athletes achieve peak performance. He also teaches sports psychology at the Nigeria Institute of Sports and has numerous publications on therapy, physical exercise, and mental preparation for athletic excellence.
