Lagos, Nigeria – July 3, 2025
Nigeria has lost one of its football greats as Peter Rufai, legendary goalkeeper of the Super Eagles, has passed away at the age of 61.
According to a report by Radio Nigeria, the former national team shot-stopper died on the morning of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after battling a long illness that had kept him away from public view in recent years.
Though his family has yet to officially announce his passing, a senior official in the Lagos State Government has confirmed the sad news.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, Rufai made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles, proudly representing the country in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai’s club career included stints with Stationery Stores in Lagos, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain, among others. His calm presence, agility, and leadership between the posts earned him admiration both at home and abroad.
Beyond football, Rufai remained an influential figure in Nigerian sports and often spoke about youth development and leadership through sports.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from former teammates, football administrators, fans, and sports journalists across the country and the continent, all mourning a man who gave his all to the beautiful game.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is expected to issue an official statement soon.
Rufai leaves behind a legacy of excellence, patriotism, and resilience that will forever remain in the hearts of Nigerian football lovers.
