Super Eagles Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies at 61 

Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai has reportedly passed away on Thursday July 3 2025.

Rufai a former first-choice goalkeeper and captain, reportedly passed away at the age of 61 years old, after a long battle with illness.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially confirmed the passing of the Nigerian icon in a statement on their Instagram account saying “forever in our hearts”.

“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.

Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.

Rest well, Peter Rufai.”

Popularly known as Dodomayana, the Nigerian icon was widely regarded as one of Nigeria best goalkeepers ever produced.

Renowned for his leadership, reflexes and shot stopping abilities, he earned over 60 caps for the national team and remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.

Rufai was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98.

He also proudly represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Over a career spanning two decades, the Nigerian shortstopper played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos.