Stationery Stores Chairman Adetilewa Adebajo leads tributes to Peter Rufai
The Chairman of Stationery Stores Football Club (SSFC), Adetilewa A. Adebajo, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2025, in Lagos at the age of 61.
In a statement released on July 4, 2025, Adebajo conveyed the profound sadness felt by the club for the loss of Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana,” who began his professional football career with Stationery Stores Football Club.
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“It was with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of our superhero and legendary goalkeeper, Prince Peter Rufai, the Dodo Mayana,” Adebajo said.
The pillar of SSFC’s golden era
Peter Rufai began his professional football journey with Stationery Stores FC in 1980, a club he represented until 1984. Adebajo described him as the most accomplished and outstanding goalkeeper in the history of SSFC and a towering figure for the Nigerian national team in the modern era.
“Peter, a prince of the Idimu Kingdom in Lagos, was the most accomplished goalkeeper for SSFC and the Nigerian National Team in the modern era—with all due respect to his namesake, the late Peter ‘The Cat’ Fregene, who stood tall in his own era,” Adebajo added.
Super Eagles icon and global trailblazer
Rufai, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for 15 years, earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles, winning bronze, silver, and gold medals at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He captained Nigeria to the historic 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia and featured in two FIFA World Cups: USA ’94 and France ’98. At the club level, he played in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup, representing top clubs in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Belgium.
“Peter was one of six SSFC players to captain the Green/Super Eagles, wearing the armband at both the AFCON and the World Cup. He is a GOAT, legend, and superhero. His game-changing saves and tournament-defining penalty stops are part of Nigerian football folklore.”
Reviving a club’s lost glory
Adebajo also recalled Rufai’s role in the re-emergence of Stationery Stores FC in the 1980s, where he was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for six years.
His charisma and brilliance made him a fan favourite, with his performances in goal helping revive the club’s fortunes after the disruption caused by the death of SSFC founder Israel Adebajo in 1969.
“After back-to-back Challenge Cup wins in 1967 and 1968, the passing of my father, Israel Adebajo, in 1969 interrupted the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most formidable teams. But Peter Rufai’s arrival symbolised a new era and rekindled hope for SSFC.”
A mentor and ambassador
Beyond his on-field achievements, Rufai remained a dedicated mentor and supporter of the club until his passing. According to Adebajo, the late icon was always willing to give back, mentor players, and support the coaching staff.
“Peter never hesitated to return to the club to offer guidance. Our coaching staff greatly benefited from his insights. He was not just a legend on the pitch, but also a true ambassador of Stationery Stores FC.”
Final farewell
Adebajo extended the club’s condolences to the Rufai Royal Family of Idimu, his wife and children, Okikiolu, Tunde, Confidence, Biodun, Bright, David and millions of football fans across the country.
“The legend of Peter Rufai will never fade. His name is etched in the history of our club, and his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.”
