The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest icons, Peter Rufai, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday in a Lagos hospital. The former Super Eagles captain and revered goalkeeper was 61 years old. Nicknamed Dodo Mayana, Rufai had reportedly been unwell for several weeks before his death, which occurred around 6 a.m. West Africa Time. His close friend and fellow ex-international, Waidi Akanni, confirmed the sad news, stating that Rufai’s remains have been transferred to the mortuary. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, paid tribute to Rufai, calling his passing a “massive loss to Nigerian football.” Gusau recalled seeing the former goalkeeper just days earlier, noting that he appeared frail but insisted he was fine. In Abuja, the NFF’s General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed deep shock and prayed for comfort for Rufai’s family and the entire football community.
Born on August 24, 1963, Peter Rufai enjoyed a distinguished international career that spanned nearly two decades. He made his debut for Nigeria in 1981 and earned 65 international caps, becoming a household name with his confident and acrobatic performances between the posts. Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments — 1984, 1988, and the triumphant 1994 edition in Tunisia. He played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ victorious 1994 campaign, including a crucial penalty save in the semi-final against defending champions Ivory Coast.One of his earlier standout moments came in the 1988 AFCON, where he denied Lakhder Belloumi during a tense semi-final shootout, propelling Nigeria into the final.
Peter Rufai captained Nigeria during the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States — the country’s debut appearance at the global tournament — and also featured as the starting goalkeeper at France ‘98. Under his leadership, the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 in both competitions, establishing Nigeria’s global football presence.He also wore the national colours at the 1980 and 1988 Olympic Games, further underlining his commitment to representing his country at the highest level.
Rufai began his club journey at Stationery Stores FC in Lagos, helping the team reach the 1980 Nigerian FA Cup final. Though they lost to Bendel Insurance, the club qualified for the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup, reaching the final largely thanks to Rufai’s stellar goalkeeping, including a crucial penalty save.He later moved to Europe, enjoying spells with clubs such as Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Farense in Portugal, and Hércules and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. His professional career stretched over two decades, making him one of Nigeria’s most experienced and accomplished goalkeepers.
After retiring, Rufai continued to contribute to the sport by running goalkeeping academies in Nigeria and Spain, mentoring aspiring shot-stoppers and promoting excellence in goalkeeping across two continents. With his passing, Rufai becomes the sixth member of Nigeria’s legendary USA ‘94 squad to have died, joining the late Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Wilfred Agbonavbare. Peter Rufai’s legacy is not only defined by his achievements on the pitch but also by his unwavering commitment to the growth of Nigerian football. He will be remembered as a legend, a leader, and a true servant of the beautiful game. Rest in peace, Dodo Mayana.
