Death, the grim reaper has taken one of the best goalkeepers Nigeria ever produced.
Peter Rufai, alias Dodo Mayana, a former Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, died Thursday morning after a yet-to-be disclosed illness, according to Radio Nigeria. He was 61.
But details of the circumstances of his demise were unknown at press time as the Family was yet to issue an official statement. .
Peter Rufai’s demise came almost three months after Nigeria lost the legendary Christian Chukwu, a dependable defender who captained the senior national football team for years. Chukwu died on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74.
The Peter Rufai Fast Facts
Peter Rufai was born into royalty on August 24, 1963. His father was the Oba of Idimu, Lagos. Though a Prince, though he was the first son of his parents, therefore first in line to succeed his father, he shunned royalty and embraced football. His passion for the game far outweighed the allure of royalty.
Indeed, when his father joined his ancestors in 1998, Peter was invited home to be King. But he turned down the offer, preferring to continue his football career with Deportivo La Coruna.
In 2012, he lost his mother, Mrs Christiana Roseline Ilamina Jaja Rufai, and sh was buried in Port Harcourt Rivers State.
Rufai was a central figure in Nigeria’s golden football era.
He was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98.
Renowned for his leadership, reflexes and charisma, Rufai earned over 60 caps for the national team and remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
Beyond his national team heroics, he had a successful club career across Europe, playing for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos.
Nicknamed Dodomayana—a nod to his regal heritage as the son of a traditional ruler—Rufai was admired for his discipline, professionalism, and advocacy for education among aspiring athletes.
Football seems to run in the Rufai Royal Family as Peter Rufai’s eldest son, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have paid glowing tribute to the former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations champion, Peter Rufai.
In a statement released on X on Thursday, the national team described Rufai, as a towering figure in Nigerian football history whose contributions would never be forgotten.
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement read.
The statement lauded Rufai’s legacy, particularly his heroics between the posts and his influence beyond the pitch.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added.
Rufai was part of the historic Nigerian squad that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup the same year.
