Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has penned an emotional tribute to late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai, days after honoring him during Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Oshoala, who scored the opening goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday, had “Rufai” boldly inscribed on a black wristband she wore throughout the match — a touching personal gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
Following the game, the FC Barcelona forward took to Instagram to share photos from a previous match where she wore the same band in remembrance of the fallen hero. Her caption read:
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of our gone heroes. Thank you Dodo Mayana… Rest on, Legend!”
Nicknamed Dodo Mayana, Peter Rufai passed away on July 3 in Lagos after suffering a reported cardiac arrest. He was 61 years old.
Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers, was a vital part of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad and played at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He also featured for top European clubs like Deportivo La Coruña and Farense during his illustrious career.
Oshoala’s decision to publicly honor a Nigerian football legend, rather than recently deceased international stars like Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, drew widespread praise online.
“She’s the real Agba baller,” one fan wrote. “She didn’t forget her own.”
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year remains one of Nigeria’s most influential players at WAFCON 2025, as the Super Falcons aim to defend their crown and continue their dominance in African women’s football.
Peter Rufai now joins a growing list of departed heroes from the 1994 golden generation, including Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Uche Okafor, and Wilfred Agbonavbare — a painful reminder of time’s toll on one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football squads.
