Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai gestures, 24 June at the Stadium in Toulouse, south of France, during the 1998 Soccer World Cup third Group D first-round match between Nigeria and Paraguay. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO (Photo by JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU / AFP)
Lagos | iNewsAfrica – July 4, 2025
Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the death of Peter Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, who passed away at the age of 61 in Lagos on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.
Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” was a towering figure in African football throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He earned 65 international caps, captained the Super Eagles, and played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and its historic appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death in a heartfelt tribute, describing him as “a true legend between the sticks whose legacy will forever live in the hearts of football fans across the continent.”
Born in Lagos and heir to a royal family in Idimu, Rufai made history not only on Nigerian soil but across Europe, representing clubs in Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain. At the peak of his career, he stood as the first-choice goalkeeper for Deportivo La Coruña, and famously became the only Nigerian goalkeeper to score in an international match—netting a penalty in 1993 against Ethiopia.
In a statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed sorrow over Rufai’s passing:
“Peter Rufai was more than a goalkeeper; he was a symbol of pride and discipline. He brought Nigeria glory and inspired generations with his courage and leadership.”
Tributes have poured in from across the sports world. Former teammates and international stars hailed Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football and his mentorship of younger athletes through his coaching academy.
A national hero, a continental ambassador, and a global icon—Peter Rufai leaves behind a legacy unmatched in Nigerian football history.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
🕊️ Rest in Power, Dodo Mayana
From the goalposts of Lagos to the world stage—you stood tall, you inspired, and you conquered.
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