A former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is dead. He was 61 years old.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the Super Eagles posted on their X handle on Thursday.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” they added.
The legendary shot stopper died on Thursday after an illness.
Nicknamed Dodo Mayana, Rufai was part of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also featured for the team in the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the competition.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers, he represented the national team 65 times.
Rufai made history when he scored for the Super Eagles in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia in 1993.
The goalkeeper played for clubs in Nigeria and abroad, including Dragons de l’Ouémé of Benin Republic; Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium; Go Ahead Eagles of the Netherlands; Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
His quick reflexes and acrobatic saves earned him the nickname “Dodo Mayana.”
The legendary goalkeeper’s quest for education led him to enroll at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, where he got formal coaching training.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured in over the ex-Super Eagles shot stopper’s death.
A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, was among the first to pay tribute to Rufai, describing his demise as a “profound loss”.
“His death is a profound loss to the global football community. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Atiku wrote on his X handle.
“Peter Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed.”
Super Eagle’s star, Ahmed Musa, also bid farewell to whom he said was “a true giant of Nigerian football”.
“Can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage. May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles,” Musa wrote on X.
“Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero. Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend.”
