Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 61 after an illness.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles confirmed his passing in a tribute shared on social media. “We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement read. “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
Fondly nicknamed Dodo Mayana for his agility and acrobatic reflexes, Rufai was a central figure in Nigeria’s football golden era. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the national team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and also played in Nigeria’s first two FIFA World Cup appearances in 1994 and 1998. Over the course of his international career, he earned 65 caps and famously scored a goal in a 6–0 victory over Ethiopia in 1993.
Rufai’s club career spanned several countries, including Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Benin Republic. He played for Dragons de l’Ouémé, Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, and Gil Vicente, leaving a trail of excellence wherever he went.
Outside football, Rufai pursued coaching education at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, demonstrating his commitment to the development of the game even after retirement.
Tributes have continued to pour in following his death. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Rufai’s passing as “a profound loss to the global football community,” extending condolences to his family and the broader Nigerian sports fraternity.
Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa also paid tribute, writing, “Can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai… May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles.”
Rufai’s death occurred on the same day Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota tragically died in a car crash, deepening the sorrow felt across the football world.
As Nigerians remember a national hero whose talent and leadership inspired generations, Peter Rufai’s legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in African football history remains firmly intact.
