Peter Rufai, the celebrated former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has died at the age of 61. His passing was confirmed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by a senior official from the Lagos State Government, although his family has yet to issue an official statement.
Reports from Radio Nigeria revealed that Rufai passed away on Thursday morning after a long illness that had kept him out of the public eye in recent months.
The Super Eagles paid tribute to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations champion, remembering Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” as a towering figure in Nigerian football whose impact will be remembered forever.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the national team said: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the loss of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai—a giant of Nigerian football and 1994 AFCON champion.”
The tribute highlighted Rufai’s remarkable legacy both on and off the pitch, especially his outstanding goalkeeping skills and his leadership.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the statement concluded.
Rufai was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers, earning 65 caps for the Super Eagles. He played in two FIFA World Cup tournaments and was a crucial member of the squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
His club career saw him play both domestically and internationally, featuring for Nigeria’s Stationery Stores and the Netherlands’ Go Ahead Eagles, among others.
Known for his calm demeanor and commanding presence, Rufai was a key figure in Nigerian football throughout the 1990s.
Shortly before his death, in June, Rufai publicly revealed that his personal data had been compromised in a cyberattack.
He reported that unauthorized individuals had accessed sensitive information, including his Nigerian passport, and urged the public and authorities to remain vigilant.
He expressed faith in Nigerian law enforcement to handle the investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
