Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic football legends as Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and celebrated national hero, has reportedly passed away.
According to Radio Nigeria, which first broke the news, the 61-year-old died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.
While details surrounding his death remain scarce and an official family statement is still being awaited, the sudden passing of the former national team star has already sent waves of shock and sorrow throughout Nigeria’s sporting community.
Often referred to by fans as Dodo Mayana, Peter Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers and a towering figure in African goalkeeping history.
He enjoyed a career that spanned both domestic and international clubs, beginning with Stationery Stores FC in Lagos and later playing professionally in Europe, including stints with Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.
Rufai was capped 65 times for Nigeria’s national team, a testament to his enduring talent, leadership, and consistency. He was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Super Eagles during some of the team’s most historic moments, including appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Tunisia, where Nigeria emerged victorious.
His reflexes, calm demeanor, and commanding presence in goal made him a standout figure in that golden generation of Nigerian footballers.
In addition to his exploits on the pitch, Rufai was also admired for his professionalism, charisma, and contributions to the development of young talents in Nigerian football after his retirement.
He founded a football academy that mentored aspiring goalkeepers and was frequently involved in sports advocacy and community development programs.
