Legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai passes away at 61 after prolonged illness

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has passed away at the age of 61 due to a prolonged illness, leaving a void in Nigerian football.

Rufai, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, earned 65 caps for the national team and played a pivotal role in the team’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

In a statement released on Thursday via X, the national team described Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” 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.

Peter Rufai bedridden some year back

“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.