Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, has died at the age of 61.
According to Radio Nigeria, Rufai passed away on Thursday after battling a prolonged illness.
While an official announcement from his family is still awaited, a senior official in the Lagos State Government has confirmed the news.
Rufai, widely known by fans as “Dodo Mayana,” was a legendary figure in Nigerian football history. He earned 65 caps for the national team during a distinguished career that saw him represent Nigeria on the global stage, including appearances at two FIFA World Cups.
He also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, serving as the team’s reliable last line of defense.
At club level, Rufai began his career with Stationery Stores in Nigeria before making a mark internationally with clubs like Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands. His performances, especially in the early to mid-1990s, cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most respected goalkeepers.
His death comes on a somber day in the football world, which is also mourning the tragic passing of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who died earlier on Thursday in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother.
Peter Rufai’s contribution to the growth of football in Nigeria and Africa at large cannot be overstated. From his agility between the posts to his leadership in the locker room, Rufai inspired a generation of Nigerian footballers and fans.
What You Should Know
- Peter Rufai, 61, died on July 3, 2025, in Lagos after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by Radio Nigeria and a Lagos official.
- Known as “Dodo Mayana,” he earned 65 caps, starred in the 1994 AFCON win, and played in two World Cups (1994, 1998).
- His 20-year career included clubs in Nigeria, Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain; he scored a penalty for Nigeria in 1993.
- Rufai’s death follows the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André in a Spanish car crash on the same day.
- Tributes from the NFF and fans highlight his enduring legacy, with his Staruf Football Academy continuing to inspire young players.
