Nigerian Football Mourns the Loss of Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian football community and fans worldwide are reeling from the tragic loss of Peter Rufai, the iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.” Rufai, aged 61, passed away in the early hours of Thursday in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy that forever shaped Nigerian football.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death, with tributes pouring in from players, fans, and officials across the globe.

Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.

Credit: NFF

His journey began with Lagos-based Stationery Stores, where he showcased his extraordinary talent, leading the club to the final of the 1981 Africa Cup Winners’ Cup. Rufai’s commanding presence, lightning-fast reflexes, and leadership qualities soon caught the attention of international scouts, paving the way for a remarkable 20-year career across Europe.

He played for top clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, notably with Hércules and Deportivo La Coruña in La Liga, earning over 60 caps for the Super Eagles.

Rufai’s international career was nothing short of stellar. Making his debut for the then-Green Eagles in December 1981, he became a mainstay in Nigeria’s goalpost for over a decade.

He was the first-choice goalkeeper during the Super Eagles’ golden era, playing a pivotal role in their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in Tunisia, Nigeria’s second continental title. His heroics between the posts helped the team secure silver medals in the 1984 and 1988 AFCON tournaments.

Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers

Rufai’s leadership shone at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where he captained Nigeria to the Round of 16 in their debut appearance in 1994. Remarkably, he remains the only Super Eagles goalkeeper to score a goal in a competitive fixture, netting a penalty during the 1994 AFCON qualifiers.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Rufai was admired for his charisma and dedication to the sport. After retiring, he remained a passionate advocate for youth development, mentoring young talents and briefly serving as the coordinator of Nigeria’s U23 national team.

Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond

His commitment to football extended off the pitch, inspiring generations of goalkeepers with his calm yet commanding presence. However, in 2024, reports surfaced of a controversy involving Rufai’s failure to refund N1 million to an Ibadan-based businessman for an undelivered sports complex template, a rare blemish on his otherwise illustrious career.

The news of Rufai’s passing, confirmed by sources including Radio Nigeria and the NFF, has sent shockwaves through the football world. “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond,” the NFF wrote on its official X handle. Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa expressed his grief, stating, “Rufai’s legacy will soar higher than any trophy.”

Tributes have also come from Uganda, where fans remember him as the formidable goalkeeper who thwarted the Cranes’ dreams in past encounters.

As Nigeria mourns, Rufai’s family has yet to release an official statement or burial arrangements, but a top Lagos State official confirmed his passing.

Rest well, legend.

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