Nigeria’s football fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and national icon, Peter Rufai. The celebrated shot-stopper, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61, after a prolonged illness.
Peter Rufai was not just a goalkeeper; he was a symbol of national pride and resilience. His towering presence between the posts, calm command of the defence line, and heroic saves made him a cornerstone of Nigeria’s golden football generation in the 1990s. He earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai began his football journey with Stationery Stores FC before making a move abroad to pursue a professional career that spanned across top European leagues. He played in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), and Spain (Hércules and Deportivo La Coruña), showcasing not just his agility and goalkeeping instincts but also his character and leadership on and off the pitch.
Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at two FIFA World Cups — USA 1994 and France 1998 — anchoring the national team during an era that witnessed the global rise of Nigerian football. His performances earned him admiration from teammates, fans, and commentators alike, with many crediting him as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers of all time.
News of his death was confirmed by multiple sources including Radio Nigeria and Lagos State Government officials. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles team paid glowing tributes, describing him as a “true legend of the game” and “a hero who served his country with honour.” Social media has since been flooded with condolence messages from former teammates, sports administrators, journalists, and fans across the continent.
Beyond the pitch, Peter Rufai was known for his humility, discipline, and passion for developing young talent. In retirement, he founded a football academy to nurture grassroots talents, believing that his legacy would be best preserved in the emergence of the next generation of football greats.
In interviews, Rufai often emphasized the importance of unity, patriotism, and personal discipline — values he credited for his success. His impact transcended football. He became a national figure who inspired hope, especially during moments when football became the country’s unifying force.
Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days. As the nation mourns, one thing is certain: the name Peter Rufai will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian sports history.
