Football Icon Peter Rufai Passes Away at 61
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the death of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. Affectionately known as "Dodo Mayana," Rufai was a monumental figure in Nigeria's football narrative, celebrated for his breathtaking acrobatic saves and formidable presence between the posts.
Rufai's illustrious career spanned over two decades, featuring impactful stints with clubs across Europe, including teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He proudly represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, and was instrumental in the Super Eagles' historic triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed profound sorrow at his passing, hailing him as "a giant of Nigerian football." Tributes have poured in from all corners of the nation, with fans, former teammates, and prominent public figures reflecting on his immense contributions to the sport. His legacy as one of Nigeria's greatest goalkeepers will undoubtedly endure.
