Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai, has died at the age of 61. The football legend passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Lagos after a prolonged illness.

Widely known by his nickname “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai was a towering figure in Nigerian football, earning 65 caps for the national team. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and featured prominently in the country’s World Cup appearances in 1994 and 1998.

Rufai enjoyed a successful club career across Europe, playing in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. His stints included time with Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, Gil Vicente, Hércules, and Deportivo La Coruña. He was also one of the few goalkeepers to score a goal for the national team, netting a penalty in a 1993 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Born into royalty as the son of the King of Idimu in Lagos, Rufai turned down the opportunity to ascend the throne after his father’s death, choosing instead to focus on football and later youth development. Following his retirement from professional football, he established a goalkeeping academy in Spain and continued mentoring aspiring players.

Tributes have poured in from across the country. The Nigeria Football Federation, former teammates, and fans have all expressed their sorrow over his passing. President Bola Tinubu described Rufai as a patriotic sportsman, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called his death a “profound loss”

Rufai’s legacy endures through his contribution to Nigerian football, his leadership on the field, and his dedication to nurturing future talents.