Legendary Nigerian midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has expressed shock following the death of his former Super Eagles teammate Peter Rufai.
Rufai died at the age of 61 on Thursday, 3 July 2025 after a long illness.
Reacting to Rufai’s death, Adepoju wrote on his Facebook page:”A dark day in football.
“We have lost a colleague, a brother, and an African legend, Peter Rufai, Our Dodo Mayana. I’m still in shock, and it’s incredibly hard to process this painful news.
“I pray that your soul rest in perfect peace, and that your family finds comfort in knowing how deeply you were loved, respected, and admired.
“Journey well and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. ️”
Adepoju and Rufai were part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
They featured for the Super Eagles at the USA 1994 and France 1998 FIFA World Cups.
Also Read: Great Sadness –Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Rufai’s Death
Also, the pair were in the Eagles squad that finished fourth at the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Rufai: Club Career
Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career in Nigeria, playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions before moving to Benin Republic in 1986 to sign for AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.
Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly.
In the 1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
In 1994, Rufai started a Portuguese adventure with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever.
His solid performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, but he struggled to start for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation.
By James Agberebi
