By Ben Efe 3-7-2025
The Nigeria football family was thrown into mourning following the death of legendary Super Eagles keeper Peter Rufai.
“Dodo Mayana” as he was fondly called by football fans died at 61 in a Lagos hospital at about 6.am Thursday. He has been battling with undisclosed illness .
His former Stationary Stores and Super Eagles teammate Waidi Akanni, confirmed the passing of the much adored goalkeeper.
“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,” Akanni posted on his X social media page.
Rufai was the darling of Nigerian fans in his playing days with the defunct Stationary Stores. He established his place in the national team after former coach Clemens Westahoff reluctantly invited him mainly due to Rufai’s popularity. Rufai won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and also did well for the Super Eagles in their debut FIFA World Cup appearance in USA 1994 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Rufai had 60 caps for the Super Eagles in his 17-year stint with the team.
He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, after which he devoted his time to grooming of young football players.
Nigeria Football Federation said it saddening to learn of Rufai’s untimely demise.
“This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.
“We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”