The Nigerian football community is in mourning as Peter Rufai, one of the country’s most iconic goalkeepers, passed away on Thursday in Lagos at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness .
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai earned the nickname “Dodo Mayana” during his storied career. He became Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Tunisia. He also represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups—in 1994 and 1998—and amassed 65 international caps
Rufai was not just a national team stalwart; he broke barriers for Nigerian footballers abroad with a two-decade-long club career across Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, featuring stints at Deportivo La Coruña, Hércules, SC Farense, Lokeren, and others .
Report says, Rufai reportedly passed away at his Lagos home following a long illness . His close friend, Waidi Akanni confirmed the time of death in the early hours of Thursday morning. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family soon.
