Super Eagles’ legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has died aged 61.
Fondly called Dodo Mayana by fans and colleagues, Rufai died in the early hours of Thursday, following a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public in recent years.
Celebrated as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, the late Peter Rufai enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs such as Stationery Stores and Go Ahead Eagles.
He made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles, featuring in two FIFA World Cups and playing a key role in Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Though the family is yet to release an official statement, his former teammate Waidi Akanni confirmed the incident.
The Super Eagles have, meanwhile, paid tribute to the late Peter Rufai, following news of his death.
In a statement released on Thursday via X, the national team described Rufai as a towering figure in Nigerian football history whose contributions would never be forgotten.
“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 statement read.
The statement lauded Rufai’s legacy, particularly his heroics between the posts and his influence beyond the pitch.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added.
Rufai was part of the historic Nigerian squad that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup the same year.
