By Glam & Essence
Nigeria’s football legend, former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has died.
The 61-year-old footballer died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The news of his passing has shocked the sporting community, most especially the football world
While an official family statement about the cause of his death is yet to be made available, the news has since gone viral, with many football fans sent into a mourning mood following his sudden passing.
Fondly called by fans as “Dodo Mayana,” Peter Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, with a remarkable feat as one of Africa’s history making goalkeeper .
His career spanned both domestic and international clubs, beginning with Stationery Stores FC in Lagos and later,he played professionally in Europe, including stints with Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain.
Rufai was capped 65 times for Nigeria’s national team, a testament to his enduring talent, leadership, and consistency.
He was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Super Eagles during some of the team’s most historic moments, including appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Tunisia, where Nigeria emerged victorious.
Rufai’s exploits on the pitch was remarkable ,and he was also admired for his professionalism, charisma, and contributions to the development of young talents in Nigerian football after his retirement,as he
founded a football academy that mentored aspiring goalkeepers.
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