The Nigerian football community is reeling from the heartbreaking news of the passing of Peter Rufai, the iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper, who died at the age of 61 on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. Known affectionately as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai’s death was confirmed by the Super Eagles through a touching tribute on their official social media pages, though an official statement from his family is still awaited.
The Super Eagles’ post, shared at approximately 7:37 pm captured the nation’s grief:
“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. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the football world, with fans and media outlets reflecting on the legacy of one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever goalkeepers.
Several Nigerian news sources, including Pulse Sports Nigeria, Daily Post Nigeria, and Naija News, reported the news, citing a prolonged illness as the cause of death.
A senior Lagos State Government official was also quoted as confirming the loss, though the family is yet to confirm the sad news.
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai carved out a remarkable career that spanned over two decades.
Rufai first rose to prominence with Stationery Stores FC in Nigeria before embarking on a successful journey across Europe, playing for clubs such as K.S.C. Lokeren and K.S.K. Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, S.C. Farense in Portugal, and Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules in Spain. His commanding presence and knack for saving penalties earned him a reputation as a formidable goalkeeper.
On the international stage, Rufai was a cornerstone of the Super Eagles’ golden era. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria and played a pivotal role in their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in Tunisia. His heroics continued at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where he showcased his skill on the global stage, cementing his status as a national hero. “Dodo Mayana” became a household name, synonymous with resilience and leadership between the posts.
The outpouring of grief on social media platforms like X reflects the profound impact Rufai had on Nigerian football. Fans shared memories of his acrobatic saves and commanding presence, while some expressed hope that the news might be unconfirmed, referencing his frail appearance in recent videos. The timing of his passing, coinciding with reports of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota’s death, has added to the somber mood in the global football community.
Rufai’s influence extended beyond his playing days. In 2023, he expressed a desire to coach the Super Eagles’ goalkeepers, eager to pass on his expertise to the next generation. His legacy as a 1994 AFCON champion and two-time World Cup participant will continue to inspire aspiring footballers across Nigeria and beyond.
While the Super Eagles’ tribute and multiple news reports lend credibility to the news, the lack of an official family statement or confirmation from the Nigeria Football Federation’s website has left some questions unanswered. The nature of Rufai’s illness was not disclosed, respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of one of its footballing giants, the focus remains on celebrating Rufai’s extraordinary contributions. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian football history, a testament to his skill, passion, and enduring legacy. Fans are encouraged to follow updates from official sources, such as the Nigeria Football Federation or major news outlets, for further confirmation.
