Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, has died at the age of 61.
Rufai passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by family sources and has since been met with an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s football community.
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai rose to national prominence in the 1990s as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. He earned 65 international caps and played pivotal roles in the country’s major football achievements, including the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory and appearances at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998.
At club level, Rufai enjoyed a rich career in Europe, playing for teams such as Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal, as well as Hércules and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.
Following his retirement from professional football, Rufai established a goalkeeper academy in Lagos and remained active in mentoring young talents and promoting grassroots football in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as “a giant of Nigerian football whose legacy will never be forgotten.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Rufai is survived by his wife and children.
