Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61.
According to a report by Radio Nigeria, Rufai died after a prolonged illness. His passing marks the end of an era for many Nigerian football fans who remember his commanding presence between the posts and his leadership during Nigeria’s golden years in international football.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,“ Rufai was a key figure in the Nigerian national team throughout the 1990s. He earned over 60 caps for the Super Eagles and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and their debut appearance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He also featured in the 1998 World Cup in France.
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai began his football journey in Nigeria before moving abroad, where he had successful stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and notably Spain, playing for clubs like Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond the field, Rufai was admired for his humility, patriotism, and contributions to youth football development in Nigeria after retirement.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the footballing world, with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former teammates expressing deep sorrow at the loss of one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
May his soul rest in peace.
