The Nigerian football fraternity and global sports lovers continue to mourn the loss of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 61.
Affectionately called “Dodo Mayana” for his unmatched agility and commanding presence in goal, Rufai’s influence reached far beyond his brilliant career on the pitch. From royal heritage to trailblazing achievements and a lifelong commitment to youth development, he leaves behind an enduring legacy.
As tributes continue to pour in, Hobnob News highlights 10 remarkable facts that defined Peter Rufai’s life and career — offering a deeper glimpse into the man behind the gloves.
10 Remarkable Facts About Peter Rufai:
1. A Royal Birth, A Football Path:
Born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, Rufai hailed from royalty. His father was a tribal king in Idimu, Lagos State. Although he was next in line to the throne, Rufai chose to pursue his passion for football — a decision that defined his destiny.
2. A Journey Across Continents:
Rufai started his football career with local clubs Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions before going international. He played professionally in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain — gaining recognition and respect across European leagues.
3. UEFA History Maker:
While playing for Portuguese club SC Farense in the 1994–95 season, Rufai helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in its history — conceding just 38 goals in 34 matches.
4. Super Eagles Icon:
With 65 caps for Nigeria, Rufai was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory in Tunisia.
5. Goalkeeper Turned Goal Scorer:
In a rare highlight, Rufai scored a penalty during a 1993 AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia. Nigeria won 6–0, and the goal became one of the most talked-about moments in his career.
6. “Dodo Mayana” — A Name Carved in History:
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana” by fans, his acrobatic saves and fearless dives made him a household name and one of Nigeria’s most beloved footballers.
7. Back to School for Coaching:
In 2023, decades after his retirement, Rufai enrolled at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos to pursue coaching certifications — underscoring his desire to nurture future talents.
8. Founder of Staruf Football Academy:
Rufai established the Staruf Football Academy to mentor young footballers. He remained a strong advocate for balancing academics and sports, urging Nigerian parents to support their children’s dreams on and off the field.
9. Driven by Discipline:
According to Rufai, his 20-year career was built on discipline, consistency, and the mindset to exceed expectations — principles he often shared with aspiring athletes.
10. A Painful Goodbye in France ’98:
One of Rufai’s most difficult moments was Nigeria’s 4–1 loss to Denmark at the 1998 World Cup. Though deeply affected, he described it as a team loss rather than a personal failure, showing his sportsmanship even in defeat.
Peter Rufai’s legacy as a national hero, mentor, and football ambassador will remain etched in Nigerian sports history. His life serves as an inspiration for athletes, coaches, and football lovers across the globe.
