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Asisat Oshoala Pays Personal Tribute to Late Peter Rufai in WAFCON Opener
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Super Falcons paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai during their opening match of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with players donning black armbands in his honour. But it was Asisat Oshoala who delivered a deeply personal homage on the field.
In Nigeria’s commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, Oshoala, one of the most iconic figures in African women’s football, wore two white wristbands inscribed with “Peter Rufai” and a small drawing of the late goalkeeper.
The tribute became the emotional centerpiece of the match when Oshoala opened the scoring just three minutes in. After finding the net, she pointed skyward and raised her wrists to the camera—her silent but powerful message resonating with fans and players alike.
Peter Rufai, a former Super Eagles captain and one of Nigeria’s most revered goalkeepers, passed away last week, triggering widespread mourning in the Nigerian football community. Known for his leadership, shot-stopping brilliance, and role in Nigeria’s golden era during the 1990s, Rufai’s legacy transcended generations.
Oshoala’s gesture added a poignant dimension to a night of both remembrance and resilience. As the Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2025 campaign on a winning note, they also carried the memory of one of Nigeria’s finest football ambassadors with them.
