Nigeria has lost one of its football greats. Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Lagos after a short illness. He was 61 years old.
Rufai was not just any footballer — he was a national hero, a goalkeeper who stood tall for the Super Eagles when it mattered most. He played a key role in some of Nigeria’s biggest football achievements, including winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
A Proud Beginning
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai came from royal roots — his father was a traditional ruler in the Idimu area. But instead of wearing a crown, Rufai chose to wear gloves. He followed his passion for football, starting out with Stationery Stores FC and later making his name across Europe in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
A Legend Between the Posts
Rufai made his debut for Nigeria in 1981 and went on to earn 65 caps for the national team. He was known for his calmness, quick reflexes, and penalty-saving ability. One of his most memorable moments came during the 1994 AFCON semi-final against Ivory Coast, where he made a crucial save in the penalty shootout that helped Nigeria reach the final — a match they eventually won.
In the 1988 AFCON, he also saved a penalty from Algeria’s Belloumi in the semifinals, proving once again that he was a man for big moments.
He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at both the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, helping the Super Eagles reach the round of 16 in both tournaments — a huge achievement for the team at the time. He was also captain of the squad in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
Club Career and European Journey
Rufai played in top leagues across Europe, suiting up for clubs like Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Farense in Portugal, and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. He also had a short stint at Hércules CF and finished his career at Gil Vicente FC in Portugal.
While playing in Europe, he became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score a goal for the Super Eagles — a penalty in a 6-0 win over Ethiopia in 1993.
A Teacher and Mentor
After retiring in 2000, Rufai stayed close to the game. He started a goalkeeping school in Spain and later founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, where he mentored young talents and taught them not just football but discipline and education.
He believed strongly in balancing academics with sports and encouraged Nigerian parents to support their children’s dreams.
Reactions to His Death
His passing has left the football community in deep sorrow. Former international Waidi Akanni confirmed the news, saying, “Our friend ‘Dodo Mayana’ died this morning.” The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau said he was shocked: “This is a huge loss. I saw him just last week.”
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi added, “We did not know he was sick. We pray God gives his family the strength to bear this loss.”
Rufai is the sixth player from Nigeria’s USA ’94 team to pass on, after Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Thompson Oliha.
A Legacy That Will Last
Peter Rufai will always be remembered as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers — a man who gave everything for his country, inspired future stars like Vincent Enyeama, and brought smiles to millions with his saves.
Whether in Lagos, Tunisia, the USA, or Europe, Rufai stood tall for Nigeria. In life and in death, he remains a symbol of pride for a grateful nation.
