Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s greatest football legends and most iconic goalkeepers, has passed away at the age of 61. The football icon died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that shaped African football and inspired generations of aspiring goalkeepers.
Popularly known as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai was celebrated for his quick reflexes, commanding presence, and leadership on the field. He played a key role during Nigeria’s golden era of international football and continued to impact the sport long after retirement.
As tributes pour in from fans, players, and the global football community, here are 10 key facts about the late Super Eagles legend, Peter Rufai:
1. Peter Rufai Was Born into Royalty
Born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, Peter Rufai came from a royal family. His father was the King of Idimu in Lagos State. Despite being in line for the throne, Rufai chose to follow his passion for football over royal duties.
2. He Played for Clubs Across Europe
Rufai began his career with Nigerian clubs like Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions. He later moved abroad, playing for teams in Benin (Dragons de l’Ouémé), Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (SC Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña).
3. He Made History with SC Farense
During the 1994–95 season, Rufai helped SC Farense qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club’s history. He played 34 matches that season and conceded only 38 goals—a remarkable feat that highlighted his goalkeeping prowess.
4. Nigeria’s Trusted No. 1 Goalkeeper
Rufai earned 65 international caps for the Super Eagles and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He was also instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in Tunisia.
5. He Scored a Goal for Nigeria
In a rare achievement for a goalkeeper, Rufai scored a penalty in Nigeria’s 6–0 win over Ethiopia during the 1993 AFCON qualifiers. It remains his only international goal and one of the most iconic moments in Nigerian football history.
6. Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”
Fans affectionately called him “Dodo Mayana” for his acrobatic saves and fearless goalkeeping. The nickname became a symbol of his excellence and is forever tied to his football legacy.
7. He Returned to School for Coaching Training
Rufai enrolled at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos in 2023 to earn his coaching credentials. His goal was to continue giving back to football through mentorship and youth development.
8. Founder of Staruf Football Academy
Dedicated to nurturing future football stars, Rufai launched the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos. He consistently advocated for balancing sports and education, urging parents to support their children’s dreams both on and off the field.
9. Discipline Was His Secret to Longevity
Rufai often credited his 20-year football career to discipline, hard work, and mental strength. His consistency and ability to adapt across various leagues made him one of the most respected African goalkeepers of his generation.
10. A Painful Exit at the 1998 World Cup
One of the lowest moments of Rufai’s career came during the 1998 World Cup when Nigeria lost 4–1 to Denmark in the Round of 16. Rufai described it as his most painful match but emphasized that it was a collective team failure, not an individual one.
Peter Rufai’s death marks the end of an era, but his story will live on as a source of inspiration for African footballers. I
