Peter Rufai passed away aged 61
Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its football greats after former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai passed away aged 61 following a period of illness.
Widely known by fans as Dodo Mayana, Rufai was a towering figure for Nigeria’s golden generation of the 1990s, remembered for his safe hands, commanding presence, and calm demeanour between the posts.
Born in Lagos, Rufai enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning 15 years, earning 65 caps for the Super Eagles between 1983 and 1998.
He played at two FIFA World Cups, in 1994 and 1998, and was an integral part of the iconic Nigerian side that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Tunisia in 1994, beating Zambia 2-1 in the final.
Announcing his passing on Thursday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described Rufai as a “giant of Nigerian football” and said his legacy “lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi called his death “really shocking,” adding that the nation had lost not only a football icon but also an inspiration to generations of Nigerian goalkeepers.
Rufai’s death marks another heartbreaking loss from Nigeria’s famous 1994 AFCON-winning squad, following the deaths of Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.
After starting out at home with clubs including Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions, Rufai’s career took him overseas to Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, making him one of the early trailblazers for Nigerian players abroad.
Former team-mates and current players have paid tribute to the late icon. Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu wrote, “We lost an African legend Peter Rufai. May his soul rest well. May your spirit continue to inspire all of us and future generations.”
Current Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa added, “The nation mourns a hero. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.”
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