Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has passed away.
He was 61 years old.
“We mourn the loss of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, a towering figure in Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON winner,” the Super Eagles announced on their X account on Thursday.
“Your impact endures both on the field and off. Rest in peace, Peter Rufai,” they added.
The legendary goalkeeper died on Thursday following an illness.
Known as Dodo Mayana, Rufai was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also played for Nigeria in the 1994 World Cup, the country’s debut in the tournament.
Recognized as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, he earned 65 caps for the national team.
Rufai made history by scoring for the Super Eagles in a 6–0 victory against Ethiopia in 1993.
Throughout his career, he played for clubs in Nigeria and abroad, including Dragons de l’Ouémé in Benin Republic; Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium; Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands; and Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
His lightning-fast reflexes and spectacular saves earned him the nickname “Dodo Mayana.”
The revered goalkeeper pursued further education, attending the National Institute for Sports in Lagos to receive formal coaching training.