Sports

Tributes As Eagles Legend Peter Rufai Dies At 61

Published

9 months ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

Nigeria’s football community was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana”.

Rufai, 61, died in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday after reportedly battling an undisclosed illness for weeks.

“This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead?” What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family,” said Dr Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Also reacting, Hon Sani Ahmed Toro, former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Association, NFA, said, “What a great loss. Peter Rufai was a reliable and committed player for the Super Eagles from 1990 to 1998, when he featured in the 1990 Algeria African Nations Cup, 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunis, 1994 World Cup and 1998 World Cup in France. A complete gentleman. My condolences to his family and the entire football family.

In another tribute, Rangers International hailed Rufai’s contribution to Nigerian football, adding that the goalkeeping icon will be missed.

The club wrote, “Though he never wore our colours, his legendary performances for the Super Eagles inspired generations across the nation, including countless players who proudly represent Rangers today. His impact on Nigerian football is immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be part of the story we tell our young talents.

“We honour his memory, his service, and the pride he brought to our game.”

Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments, playing a key role as the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 on both occasions. He also starred in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), winning silver in 1984 and 1988 before lifting the trophy with Nigeria in 1994.

The late goalkeeper made his international debut in December 1981 and had a stellar career that spanned over 14 years in the national team. He played for club sides in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

Rufai remained dedicated to football after his retirement, mentoring young talents and briefly serving as the coordinator of Nigeria’s U23 national team.

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Sports

Just In: Nigerian Football Legend Henry Nwosu Passes Away At 62

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2026

Editor

Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu (MON) has died at the age of 62.

Nwosu’s former teammate, Segun Odegbami, announced this on his social media page on Saturday.

Nwosu was part of the team that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Nigeria in Lagos.

“Henry Nwosu passes on!

“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday.

“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu, MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami wrote.

Nwosu, who was the youngest member of the 1980 AFCON squad, was widely celebrated for his role in Nigeria’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations, where the national team, then known as ‘Green Eagles’, secured the first continental title on home soil.

Sports

Full List Of Nominees For CAF Awards 2025 Unveiled

Published

6 months ago

October 17, 2025

Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the complete list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, set to take place later this year.

The CAF aawards celebrates outstanding performances and achievements across African football, recognising excellence among players, coaches, clubs, and national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.

This year’s shortlist features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents who have made remarkable contributions to African football over the past season.

Nigerian players such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Esther Okoronkwo headline the women’s nominations, while Nigerian clubs and coaches also appear in various categories — reflecting the country’s continued influence in African football.

Below is the full list of nominees in the women’s categories for the CAF Awards 2025:

CAF Awards: Women’s Player of the Year

Portia Boakye
Tabitha Chawinga
Temwa Chawinga
Ghizlane Chebbak
Mama Diop
Rasheedat Ajibade
Esther Okoronkwo
Sanaa Mssoudy
Barba Banda
Racheal Kundananji

Women’s Club of the Year

Gaborone United
ASEC Mimosas
TP Mazembe
USFAS Bamako
ASFAR
DE Agosto
Mamelodi Sundowns
Bayelsa Queens FC
Aigles De La Medina
JKT Queens

Women’s National Team of the Year

Cameroon U17
Ghana
Ivory Coast U17
Mali
Morocco
Nigeria U17
Nigeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia U17

Women’s Young Player of the Year

Habiba Essam
Habiba Sabry
Stella Nyamekye
Doha El Madani
Winfrida Gerald
Ester Maseke Marwa
Adji Ndiaye
Shakirat Moshood
Mercy Chipasula
Ruth Mukoma

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Chloe N’Gazi
Sedilame Boseja
Fideline Ngoy
Habiba Emad
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Khadija Er-Rmichi
Fatoumata Karentao
Cynthia Konlan
Adji Ndiaye
Andile Dlamini

Coach of the Year (Women)

Adelaide Koudougnon
Siaka Gigi Traore
Lamia Boumehdi
Genoveva Anonman
Justine Madugu
Bankole Olowookere
Jorge Vilda
Kim Bjorkegren
Desiree Ellis
Carol Kanyemba

Sports

Nigerian-Born Benin Republic Footballer, Razak Omotoyossi Dies At 39

Published

8 months ago

August 19, 2025

Editor

Nigerian-born Beninese international Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF.

In a post on X (Formerly Twitter), the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning.

“We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Omotoyossi, who switched nationality to represent Benin after starting his career in the Nigerian league, became one of the country’s most celebrated footballers.

He scored 21 goals in 55 international appearances, placing him among Benin’s all-time top scorers.

He is fondly remembered for his performance during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o.

He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

At club level, Omotoyossi had a career spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

He particularly excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving to French side FC Metz.