Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has revealed his final conversation with legendary Peter Rufai, describing how he shared jokes with the late icon just two weeks before his sudden demise.
Speaking about his last interaction with the man fondly called ‘Dodo Mayana’, Shorunmu expressed shock at the news of Rufai’s passing, given how vibrant his colleague had sounded during their recent telephone conversation.
“Two weeks ago, I called him and we had some nice conversation, we made jokes and laughed over some issues.
“At the time we spoke two weeks ago, he said he doesn’t sound like someone who was sick at all, and that’s why I was shocked when I started receiving calls from people telling me about the sudden demise.”
The revelation adds a poignant dimension to the loss of the 61-year-old goalkeeper, who died in Lagos on Thursday following a brief illness. Shorunmu’s account suggests that Rufai’s condition may have deteriorated rapidly in his final days, catching even close friends and colleagues off guard.
Rufai, who was nicknamed ‘The Flying Cat’ by legendary football commentator Ernest Okonkwo, had been one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers. His career spanned nearly two decades, during which he became synonymous with spectacular saves and commanding presence between the posts.
The late goalkeeper’s most memorable moment came during Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, where he played a pivotal role in securing the country’s second continental title. His penalty save in the semi-final against holders Ivory Coast and three crucial saves in the final against Zambia remain etched in Nigerian football folklore.
Following his retirement from active football, Rufai dedicated himself to nurturing young talent through his Staruf Academy, continuing his contribution to Nigerian football beyond his playing days. He had also recently graduated from the National Institute for Sports in January this year and had been working on a book that remains unpublished.
The football community continues to mourn the loss of the man who helped Nigeria make their FIFA World Cup debut in 1994, with tributes pouring in from across the sporting world. His legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers remains secure, even as those who knew him personally, like Shorunmu, grapple with the suddenness of his departure.
Rufai’s passing represents not just the loss of a footballing icon but of a mentor and friend whose influence extended far beyond the pitch, touching the lives of countless players and fans who witnessed his extraordinary career.
