Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 AFCON champion, Peter Rufai.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the passing of the football icon in a tribute posted on its official Facebook page. Describing him as a “giant of Nigerian football,” the federation wrote:
“️ 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. ”
Rufai, widely known by his nickname Dodo Mayana, was one of Nigeria’s most respected goalkeepers. He earned over 60 caps for the Super Eagles and was instrumental in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. That same year, he helped lead Nigeria to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in the United States.
Beyond his achievements in the national team, Rufai enjoyed a successful club career in Europe, playing for teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and beyond, with fans, footballers, and sports officials paying tribute to the late goalkeeper’s contributions to Nigerian football.
Details regarding the cause of death and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as at the time of filing this report.
