Latest news with #PeterRufai


News24
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Remembering the public figures we lost in July 2025
In July 2025, South Africa and the world bid farewell to several prominent figures whose legacies shaped politics, sport, entertainment, journalism, and more. We remember and honour their contributions. David Dabede Mabuza (64) 25 August 1960 – 3 July 2025 David 'DD' Mabuza passed away in a Johannesburg hospital after a prolonged illness. Though the specific cause of death was not disclosed, his passing marked the loss of one of SA's influential political figures. Mabuza served as deputy president of the country from 2018 to 2023 and as ANC deputy president from 2017 to 2022. His foundation focused on education and community upliftment, continuing his legacy beyond politics. Peter Rufai (61) 24 August 1963 – 3 July 2025 Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, died in Lagos after a lengthy illness. He was best known for helping Nigeria win the 1994 Afcon title and representing his country in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. After his playing career, Rufai established a goalkeeping academy and mentored young talent internationally, leaving an enduring mark on African football. Julian Dana William McMahon (56) 27 July 1968 – 2 July 2025 Julian McMahon, the Australian American actor, died from lung metastasis linked to head and neck cancer. Renowned for starring roles in Charmed, Nip/Tuck and Fantastic Four, McMahon was admired for his screen presence and versatility. His contributions to film and television remain influential. Moses 'Lady Mo' Sibiya (34) 19 April 1991 – 4 July 2025 Popular South African entertainer Moses 'Lady Mo' Sibiya died at the scene of a head-on collision near Mbombela. Lady Mo was known for emotional funeral singing, comedic sketches, dance videos and his hit single Dumi Dumi Dumi. He connected deeply with audiences across social media, spreading joy and comfort. Pearl Sebolao (50) 7 February 1975 – 20 July 2025 Pearl Sebolao, executive editor of the Sowetan, died at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital after a short illness. Known for her integrity and commitment to justice, Sebolao was a respected leader and mentor in South African media. She helped transform her newsroom into a voice for human rights and accountability. Ike Segola (85) 2 February 1940 – 20 July 2025 Veteran newspaperman Ike Segola, who died around the same time as Pearl Sebolao, was a quiet force behind the Sowetan's editorial standards. Known for his meticulous work with language and his mentorship of reporters, Segola was a pillar of South African journalism. Dr Pertunia 'Dr Pert' Mathibe (40) 22 March 1985 – 31 July 2025 Pretoria-based cosmetic doctor and influencer, Dr Pertunia Mathibe, died after a short illness. She was a trailblazer in normalising aesthetic medicine for black South Africans. Through her Centre for Body Sculpting and social media platforms, she educated and uplifted many while blending clinical skill with cultural relevance. Martin Ngqongqo Ziqubu (67) 4 November 1957 – 24 July 2025 Martin Ngqongqo Ziqubu, a beloved voice actor and star of isiZulu radio dramas such as Kusa Kusa, died suddenly after collapsing with breathing difficulties. A familiar voice on Ukhozi FM, he was a cherished storyteller who enriched South African broadcasting. Malcolm-Jamal Warner (54) 18 August 1970 – 20 July 2025 Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned in a rip current while on holiday in Costa Rica. Known worldwide as Theo Huxtable from The Cosby Show, Warner also starred in Malcolm and Eddie and FBI: Most Wanted. He was praised for his socially conscious music and won a Grammy for Jesus Children. John Michael 'Ozzy' Osbourne (76) 3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025 Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne died passed away from complications linked to Parkinson's disease shortly after his final live performance. As the frontman of Black Sabbath and a successful solo artist, Osbourne shaped the heavy metal genre and influenced generations of musicians. Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea (71) 11 August 1953 – 24 July 2025 Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died from a heart attack after battling atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. A multiple WWE champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Hogan was a key figure in bringing professional wrestling into mainstream culture. These 11 figures each left a distinct legacy across politics, sport, entertainment and the media. Their deaths remind us of the impact one life can have and the importance of remembering those who shaped our world.


Free Malaysia Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies aged 61
Popularly known as Dodomayana, Peter Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and featured at the 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals. (AFP pic) ABUJA : Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peter Rufai has died aged 61 following an illness, the national football federation said today. Popularly known as Dodomayana, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and featured at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals. He was also part of the Super Eagles squad when Nigeria won a second Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Tunisia in 1994, beating Zambia 2-1. 'We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,' the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said in a post on social platform X. 'Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond,' NFF said. In a statement the NFF said Rufai had 'died in Lagos following a period of illness'. NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, said Rufai's death was 'really shocking'. Rufai played for several Nigerian clubs before he moved to play overseas in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.


CAF
05-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe Conveys Condolences on the Passing of Former Nigeria National Team Captain, Peter Rufai
Published: Friday, 04 July 2025 The President of the Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF'), Dr Patrice Motsepe, expressed his deep condolences and the condolences of the 54 CAF Member Associations to the family of the late Peter Rufai, former captain of the Nigerian National Football Team, the Nigeria Football Federation ('NFF') and the entire Nigerian football community. Peter Rufai, 61, passed away on Thursday 3 July 2025. Rufai represented Nigeria at the highest level, including two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 and several CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. CAF President, Dr Motsepe said: 'Peter Rufai is part of a special generation of African Football players who made the people of Nigeria and the entire African Continent very proud. He was an enormously talented footballer player and was respected in Africa and globally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Nigeria Football Federation ('NFF') and its President Ibrahim Gusau, his former teammates and the people of Nigeria. ' Dodo Mayana' will forever live in our hearts and minds. May his Soul Rest in Peace.' Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department

Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 61. The Nigerian Football Federation announced the death Thursday. Advertisement Rufai was widely regarded as one of the best African goalkeepers ever and had a 20-year playing career that included stints at clubs in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Nigerian federation wrote on X that the legacy of Rufai, whose nickname was Dodo Mayana, would live on 'between the sticks and beyond.' Local media said he had suffered from a brief, undisclosed illness. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also paid tribute to Rufai in a statement Friday. (asterisk)I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations," Tinubu said. Advertisement He praised Rufai for "bringing honor to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria.' Rufai was part of Nigeria's 1994 World Cup squad in the U.S. which helped put the country's football on the global map, alongside the late Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare and Thompson Oliha. He also represented Nigeria at 1998 World Cup in France. He was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score a goal for his team internationally, in a 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. Rufai, the first Nigerian player to come from a royal family, had more than 60 caps for the Super Eagles. After retiring from professional football in 2000, he established Staruf Football Academy where he coached young players. ___ AP soccer:


Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 61. The Nigerian Football Federation announced the death Thursday. Rufai was widely regarded as one of the best African goalkeepers ever and had a 20-year playing career that included stints at clubs in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Nigerian federation wrote on X that the legacy of Rufai, whose nickname was Dodo Mayana, would live on 'between the sticks and beyond.' Local media said he had suffered from a brief, undisclosed illness. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also paid tribute to Rufai in a statement Friday. (asterisk)I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,' Tinubu said. He praised Rufai for 'bringing honor to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria.' Rufai was part of Nigeria's 1994 World Cup squad in the U.S. which helped put the country's football on the global map, alongside the late Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare and Thompson Oliha. He also represented Nigeria at 1998 World Cup in France. He was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score a goal for his team internationally, in a 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. Rufai, the first Nigerian player to come from a royal family, had more than 60 caps for the Super Eagles. After retiring from professional football in 2000, he established Staruf Football Academy where he coached young players. ___ AP soccer: