Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, widely known as Dodo Mayana, has passed away. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death on Thursday via its official social media platform.
While the statement did not disclose the cause of death, it described Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football” whose contributions to the national team and the sport in general will not be forgotten.
“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,” the NFF wrote.
Okay.ng reports that Rufai was one of the standout figures in Nigerian football history, famously guarding the goalpost during the country’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Tunisia.
He also represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups, in 1994 and 1998, and earned over 60 caps for the national team during a career that spanned over a decade.
Known for his agility, leadership, and charisma on and off the field, Rufai was fondly called Dodo Mayana by fans and teammates.
Before his time with the Super Eagles, Rufai enjoyed a successful club career across Europe, including stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for La Liga side Deportivo La Coruña.
