Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has honoured the memory of late Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai powerfully, Soccernet.ng reports.
During Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the former Barcelona Femeni forward was spotted with a wristband.
Wearing a white wristband with Rufai’s name boldly inscribed on it, Oshoala took just four minutes to make her presence felt, heading home Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament in tribute to the former Super Eagles goalkeeper who passed away earlier this week at the age of 61.
Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana”, was a key figure in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning team and represented the country at two FIFA World Cups.
His death has triggered widespread tributes across the football world, and Oshoala’s gesture added an emotional touch to a dominant first-half performance by the Super Falcons.
Watch the Oshoala’s goal here:
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⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: A good start for Nigeria against Tunisia!
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SABC Sport | SABC 3
https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/muZozBSBxB— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 6, 2025
The second goal came deep into first-half stoppage time, with Babajide Rinsola doubling Nigeria’s lead in the 45+3 minute.
Her goal was initially ruled out after Asisat Oshoala was thought to have committed a foul in the build-up, but a VAR review overturned the decision, confirming no interference.
Babajide had earlier delivered the assist for Oshoala’s opener, whipping in a pinpoint cross that the former Barcelona striker nodded in with authority.
The Super Falcons went into the break leading 2-0, and in the second half of the game, the Justin Magudu’s ladies continued their dominance when Chinwendu Ihezuo found the bottom corner with a composed left-footed finish to extend the lead.
Oshoala’s wristband, her goal, and her celebration all served as a moving farewell to one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.