Nigeria is mourning the loss of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away early Thursday in Lagos after battling an illness, NaijNaira can report.
According to report, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described his death as a deep shock. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, reacted emotionally: “This is really, really shocking! Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed.” He added, “We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”
The Super Eagles also paid tribute, describing Rufai—known affectionately as “Dodo Mayana”—as “a giant of Nigerian football” whose influence remains unforgettable. “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana,” the team wrote on X. “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
Rufai had been ill for weeks before passing at a Lagos hospital around 6am. He was 65.
He made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON win in Tunisia and won silver medals in 1984 and 1988.
Starting with Lagos-based Stationery Stores, Rufai became a continental figure, reaching the final of the 1981 Africa Cup Winners Cup. His European career spanned Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retiring, he mentored young talent and once coordinated the Nigeria U23 team, showing his lasting commitment to Nigerian football.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
