Lagos, Nigeria – 3 July 2025
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” who passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. The news, confirmed by multiple sources including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and posts on X, has sent shockwaves through fans and the global football fraternity.

Rufai, regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, had an illustrious career, earning 65 caps for the Super Eagles and playing a pivotal role in their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in Tunisia. He was also the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally in Europe and featured in Nigeria’s maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994. His agility, commanding presence, and shot-stopping prowess made him a household name, with fans on X recalling his nickname “Keeper Rufai” for his exceptional skills.

The NFF paid tribute to Rufai on X, stating, “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”

According to reports, Rufai had been managing a prolonged illness that kept him out of the public eye for months. A top Lagos State Government official confirmed his passing to Radio Nigeria, though the family has yet to release full details. Posts on X expressed profound grief, with users like @_MightyGeorge describing the day as “a dark day in football” and @Basheshe_nation lamenting the loss of another football icon alongside Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, who also passed away recently.