Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly remembered as Dodo Mayana, has passed away at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
News of Rufai’s death broke on Thursday, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the football community.
The Super Eagles, in a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“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.”
Rufai was a central figure in Nigerian football during the 1990s.
He played a pivotal role in the national team’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and was part of the squad that represented Nigeria in their debut FIFA World Cup appearance the same year.
Over the course of his international career, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria.
One of his most memorable moments came in 1993, when he scored in a 6–0 victory over Ethiopia, an unusual feat for a goalkeeper.
Rufai’s club career spanned both local and international teams.
He played for Dragons de l’Ouémé in Benin Republic and had stints in Belgium with Lokeren and Beveren, in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles, and in Portugal with Farense and Gil Vicente.
Admired for his lightning-quick reflexes and acrobatic saves, he became a fan favorite and earned the nickname Dodo Mayana.
His commitment to the sport extended beyond the pitch, as he pursued formal coaching education at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined others in honoring Rufai’s legacy, calling his passing a significant loss.
“His death is a profound loss to the global football community. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Atiku wrote on X.
Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa also paid an emotional tribute.
“Can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage,” Musa wrote.
“Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.”
Rufai’s passing comes on the same day the football world was also shaken by the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota in a car accident.
