It might take some time for the football community worldwide to recover from the shock of the death of Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai and Liverpool’s forward, Diogo Jota.
Early Thursday, the sad news of Jota’s death, who got married to his sweetheart, a few weeks ago hit the football community. As though the tragedy at hand was not enough, news broke that Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana breath last late Thursday.
According to family sources, Rufai died in Lagos at the age of 61, after a prolonged illness while Jota’s life was cut short at age 28 by an accident, alongside his brother, Andre.
Tributes have poured in for both footballers since the news of their deaths went viral.
In a post on his social media accounts, a former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar described Rufai’s death as “a profound loss to the global football community.”
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Peter Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed,” Atiku added.
Also, a former Eagles’ player, Ahmed Musa, noted that Rufai’s “heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.
“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.”
For former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the late goal stopper was a living, breathing highlight reel.
He said, “As we mourn his passing, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian football community. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”
Nigerian Super Eagles wrote, “🇳🇬🕊️ Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
“Rest in Peace, Peter Rufai!
Rest in Peace, Legend!,” Media personality, Frank Edoho wrote.
A La Liga club, Sevilla wrote, “Everyone at Sevilla FC would like to express our deepest condolences following the passing of Peter Rufai. Rest in Peace.”
Nigerian Remo Stars Sports Club mourned the late goalkeeper saying, “Everyone at Remo Stars is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Nigerian goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community during this difficult time.”
Liverpool FC, while reacting to Jota’s death announced that his ‘No. 20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions to the club.
The club wrote, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“We have opened physical and digital books of condolence, following the devastating passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.”
Saudi-based club, Al Hilal, also mourn the late forward saying, “Everyone at Al-Hilal is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to their family, friends and everyone connected to their football clubs.”
“The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them. Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch,” Adidas wrote on its official X account.
La Liga club, Real Madrid, also observed a minute’s silence before its training in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
Top football award body, Ballon d’Or also said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. All our thoughts are with their family and team-mates.”
