Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, widely known by fans as “Dodomayana.”
The former national team captain reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday after battling a prolonged illness.
Though the family is yet to issue an official statement, a senior official in the Lagos State Government has confirmed the tragic news.
Peter Rufai, life and times
Rufai, who was 61, is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers. He earned over 65 caps for the national team and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the country’s golden era, including the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.
Rufai’s charisma, shot-stopping ability, and leadership made him a household name across Africa and beyond. He played professionally in several European leagues, including stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.
In retirement, he remained involved in football development and youth sports empowerment, founding the Star Rufai Soccer Academy in Lagos, which produced talents for both local and international clubs.
His death comes as a deep loss to the Nigerian football community, where tributes have begun pouring in from former teammates, sports administrators, and fans.
Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963, into a royal family in Lagos State. Beyond his goalkeeping prowess, he was known for his calm demeanor, humility, and discipline—traits that made him a respected figure on and off the pitch.
Rufai’s professional football career spanned nearly two decades, during which he represented clubs like Deportivo La Coruña in Spain and Farense in Portugal. He made history as one of the few Nigerian players to captain the national team in multiple international tournaments.
Even after retirement, Rufai’s impact on Nigerian sports remained significant. He frequently featured as a football analyst, mentor, and motivational speaker. His commitment to developing grassroots football earned him several national recognitions.
