Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is providing young talented players with the opportunity to hone their skills through the ‘Staruf Academy,’ his accredited football academy.
Known in football circles as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ Rufai was part of Nigeria’s golden era, winning the historic 1994 Nations Cup hosted by Tunisia. He has established his football academy in line with best practices, aiming to impart his wealth of knowledge in football both locally and internationally.
Rufai, who played for ‘Go Ahead Eagles’ football club in the Netherlands among other clubs, revealed that his academy, which trains every weekend at the Mind Builders’ School Ground in Magodo-Olowora, Lagos, is his way of giving back to the community and nation that provided him the opportunity to pursue a career in football.
According to Peter Rufai, who is a prince in Lagos, Staruf Academy has produced several talented young players who have gone on to represent Nigeria at various international competitions. Notable alumni include Tunde Makinde, who joined the Manchester City youth team, and Nneoma Okoro, who secured a sports scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Rufai stated, “Staruf Academy is a hub for young talent and quality skills. It is a platform for young football players to develop their skills and achieve greatness.”
At 61 years old, Rufai is considered one of Nigeria’s best shot-stoppers, having earned 65 caps for the national team, the Super Eagles, between 1983 and 1998. He was a key player in Nigeria’s 1994 African Cup of Nations victory and represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Renowned for his shot-stopping ability, leadership, and contributions to Nigeria’s football success, he remains a celebrated figure in the sport.
