Nigeria’s football world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic goalkeepers, Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 61 after battling a prolonged illness.
Well-known by his nickname “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai etched his name into Nigerian football history with standout performances—most notably during Nigeria’s triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and the country’s inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup the same year.
The Super Eagles released an emotional statement on social media, describing Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football” and remarking, “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana.” They honoured his legacy, adding, “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai”.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu both shared heartfelt tributes. President Tinubu referred to Rufai as one of Nigeria’s patriotic sportsmen who “wrote their names in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria and the African continent,” celebrating his contributions to both the 1994 AFCON victory and World Cup journey. Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed the sentiments, terming Rufai’s departure a “painful loss to Lagos and Nigeria” and commending his passionate representation of the country on the world stage.
Rufai began his professional journey with Stationery Stores in Lagos in 1980 and eventually played across Europe in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He earned 65 caps for the national team from 1983 to 1998, and notably scored a rare goal as a goalkeeper, a penalty in a 6–0 win during a 1994 AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia.
After retiring from professional play, Rufai founded a goalkeeper academy, continuing to inspire the next generation.
As tributes pour in, Nigeria bids farewell to a legendary figure whose towering presence in goal and off-field mentorship have left an indelible impact on the nation’s football legacy.