Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Peter Rufai, has died at the age of 61.
Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, reportedly passed away on Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, after battling a long illness. His death was confirmed by a top official in the Lagos State Government, although his family is yet to make an official statement.
Radio Nigeria was the first to report the passing of the football legend, who had been out of the public eye for several months.
Rufai was one of Nigeria’s most respected goalkeepers, earning 65 caps for the national team during his career. He played in two FIFA World Cups and was part of the golden Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
He also had a successful club career in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he spent two decades as a professional footballer.
The Super Eagles, through their official X handle, paid tribute to Rufai on Thursday, describing him as a true icon of Nigerian football.
“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,” the post read.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
Rufai played for local club Stationery Stores before moving abroad, where he featured for top teams including Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. He was loved not just for his goalkeeping skills but also for his leadership and calm presence on the field.
