Nigeria is mourning the death of one of its greatest football icons, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper died at the age of 61, following a protracted illness.
His passing was confirmed on Thursday by former teammate Waidi Akanni and later announced by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) via the Super Eagles’ official X account.
“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 post read.
- VIDEO: Woman Claiming to Be Chris Okafor’s Former Wife Makes Explosive Allegations
- I will not be vice-president to anybody ~ Peter Obi
- Israel recognises Somaliland as sovereign state
- 70-year-old Indian woman gives birth to her first child
- Ghanaian Prophet, Eboh Noah, Builds 8 Arks, Reveals God Has Warned Him That The World Will End On Christmas Day ~ Not By Fire, But By Another Global Flood.
- VIDEO: Pregnant wife bursts into tears as husband refuses to go beg neighbour Jollof rice
Rufai wasn’t just a shot-stopper—he was a symbol of Nigerian football excellence, known for his athleticism, calm leadership, and unmatched reflexes. His journey began in Oshodi, Lagos, where he was born into royalty on August 24, 1963. Despite being heir to his father’s throne in Idimu, Lagos, Rufai chose the football pitch over the palace.
Throughout his two-decade career, Rufai played for clubs in Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain, including Deportivo La Coruña and SC Farense—where he helped the Portuguese side qualify for their first UEFA Cup. Back home, he made 65 appearances for Nigeria and led the team to victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, also featuring in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998).
He is one of the few goalkeepers to score for Nigeria—converting a penalty against Ethiopia in 1993.
Off the pitch, he was a mentor, founding the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and returning to school in 2023 to earn coaching credentials. Known for discipline and resilience, Rufai’s legacy lives on—not just in football history, but in the lives he touched.
Rest in peace, Dodo Mayana.
See one of his moments on the pitch below:
