Peter Rufai has been hailed as a “giant of football” following his death at the age of 61 on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
Affectionately known as Dodo Mayana, Rufai was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, helping the Nigeria national football team win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and representing his country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Born in Lagos, he earned 65 caps for Nigeria between 1983 and 1998, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most reliable goalkeepers.
His composure, commanding presence and sharp reflexes made him a standout performer during a historic era for Nigerian football. The Nigeria Football Federation paid tribute on social media, describing him as “a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” adding: “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
Rufai’s passing marks another painful loss from Nigeria’s celebrated 1994 squad, which not only conquered Africa but also reached the last 16 in the country’s World Cup debut in the United States. He becomes the sixth member of that team to pass away, following Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.
He began his club career in Nigeria with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions before going on to play professionally in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.
Tributes have poured in from former teammates and admirers. Ex-Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu described Rufai as an African legend whose spirit will continue to inspire future generations. Current Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa said the nation mourns a hero, praising Rufai’s “heroic reflexes and unwavering presence” on the world stage.
Though he has passed on, Rufai’s legacy remains firmly etched in Nigerian and African football history.
