Nigeria’s football community is mourning the loss of legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his passing in a tribute on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, describing Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football” and a 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers. His illustrious career spanned over two decades, including club stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Internationally, he earned 65 caps for Nigeria and represented the country at two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and multiple AFCON tournaments, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s golden football era.
Rufai was also known for his leadership and composure, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and the nation’s first World Cup appearance in 1994. Beyond his playing days, he was involved in coaching and football development in Nigeria.
His death coincides with the global football world mourning Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who also died recently. Peter Rufai’s legacy remains deeply etched in Nigerian football history, and tributes continue to pour in from fans, former teammates, and sports officials across the country.