Nigeria is mourning the death of one of its football legends, Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 following a prolonged illness.
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper, famously nicknamed “Dodo Mayana” died in Lagos, surrounded by family members.
According to close relatives, Rufai had been battling health complications in recent months before succumbing early Thursday morning.
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos State, Rufai was one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers.
He earned 65 international caps for Nigeria and played in two FIFA World Cup tournaments—USA 1994 and France 1998. He was also a key figure in Nigeria’s victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations campaign in Tunisia.
Rufai famously scored a penalty in a 1993 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, becoming one of the few goalkeepers in world football to have scored an international goal.
In his club career, Rufai featured for teams in Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Some of the clubs he played for include Stationery Stores, Lokeren, Go Ahead Eagles, SC Farense, Hércules CF, and Deportivo La Coruña.
Apart from his football prowess, Rufai was also a prince of Idimu in Lagos. In 1998, following the death of his father, he was offered the kingship of his town but chose instead to continue his career in football, a decision widely respected by fans and fellow players.
Following his retirement, Rufai remained active in football development, launching the Staruf Football Academy, where he trained aspiring goalkeepers and supported youth development across Nigeria and parts of Europe.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the news of his death in a statement on Thursday. “Peter Rufai was not just a goalkeeper, he was a symbol of dedication and courage in Nigerian football,” said NFF President Ibrahim Gusau. “His death is a monumental loss.”
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and many former teammates have all expressed their sorrow.
“He was not just a football icon, he was a national treasure,” said former teammate and ex-captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha. “He made us believe that Nigerian players could stand tall on the world stage.”
Rufai is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.