The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.” The revered shot-stopper passed away at the age of 61.

In a statement signed by Dr Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press, the NSC described Rufai as more than a national hero—he was a global ambassador for Nigerian football, whose fearless performances and charismatic presence left an indelible mark on the sport and millions of fans.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, paid an emotional tribute, saying: “This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero; he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”

Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also honoured the late goalkeeper, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian sports.
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian football. His commitment to the game, both on and off the pitch, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts,” Olopade stated.

Rufai was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, playing a crucial role in the team’s historic 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia and representing the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cups in the USA (1994) and France (1998), where Nigeria reached the Round of 16 on both occasions.

At club level, his career spanned top leagues in Europe, with stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He notably played for Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF, earning acclaim for his commanding presence and reflexes.

Following his retirement, Rufai remained dedicated to the development of Nigerian football. He founded youth goalkeeping academies and mentored the next generation of talents, leaving a lasting legacy as a player, coach, and role model.

The NSC extended its heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire football community, stating that “Dodo Mayana’s legacy will forever live in the hearts of those he inspired.”

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Nigerian football community.

Rufai, a former goalkeeper for the iconic Lagos club, Stationery Stores, and a key figure in Nigeria’s international football history, was reported to have died on Thursday from an undisclosed ailment.

In a statement, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye paid tribute to the late football icon, recalling his immense contributions both on and off the pitch.

“Rufai was a true gentleman and a great ambassador of our league.

“He remained committed to the growth of domestic football and was always willing to lend his presence and voice to NPFL events, including workshops and fixture draws,” Elegbeleye said.

He praised Rufai for his inspirational role to younger players, especially those aspiring to follow in his footsteps from the domestic league to international stardom.

“To the younger generation of players, he was a big brother and mentor. He started from the home league like many of them and went on to play in Europe and at the highest level for Nigeria,” Elegbeleye noted.

“Even after retirement, he remained active in the football community, organizing goalkeeping boot camps to train and mentor upcoming talents.”

Elegbeleye extended the NPFL’s condolences to Rufai’s immediate family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the wider Nigerian sports family, stating that, “Nigeria has lost a legend.”

Peter Rufai’s illustrious career spanned over a decade and a half in the national team, beginning with his debut in a friendly match in December 1981. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments—helping the country to silver medals in 1984 and 1988 and playing a pivotal role in the historic 1994 triumph in Tunisia.

Renowned for his charisma, discipline, and flamboyant style, Rufai also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike.

Until his death, Rufai remained committed to youth development in Nigerian football, using his post-playing years to discover and nurture emerging goalkeeping talents.

His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted in Nigerian football.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The Nigerian football community was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday following confirmation that Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, has died.

The iconic shot-stopper, fondly known as Dodomayana, passed away in Lagos at about 6 a.m. after a brief illness.

The news, which initially spread quietly, was later confirmed by a senior Lagos State Government official and corroborated by former international Waidi Akanni, who disclosed that Rufai’s remains had been deposited in a Lagos hospital.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and deep sorrow at the passing of one of the country’s greatest footballers.

“This is really, really shocking,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, from 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 Nigerian football family.”

A Storied Career

Peter Rufai made his international debut in December 1981 in a friendly match for the then Green Eagles, marking the beginning of a 17-year journey in the national team. He went on to become a stalwart in goal, representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup with distinction.

He was between the sticks when Nigeria won AFCON 1994 in Tunisia—Nigeria’s second continental title. Before then, he was also part of the squads that finished runners-up in 1984 and 1988. He featured as Nigeria’s No. 1 goalkeeper in all three tournaments.

Rufai was also the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98 World Cups, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16 in both tournaments, and earning plaudits for his calm presence, agility, and leadership.

Club Career & Legacy

Domestically, Rufai made his mark with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, with whom he reached the final of the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup. He later moved abroad, enjoying professional stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight side Deportivo La Coruña.

After retiring from active football, Rufai dedicated his life to youth development and coaching, notably running the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and serving briefly as coordinator of Nigeria’s U-23 team.

A Life Remembered

Born into royalty—he was the son of a king—Rufai earned the nickname Dodomayana, a nod to both his noble heritage and charismatic presence. Off the pitch, he was known for his discipline, humour, and deep love for Nigerian football.

His sudden passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans, former teammates, and aspiring goalkeepers who saw him as a role model.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.

Peter Rufai (1963–2025)
Rest in peace, legend.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H