Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s football community is in mourning following the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who died in the early hours of Thursday in Lagos at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
The Journal Nigeria was among the first few media outfits to break the news of his passing.
Confirming his death, former teammate and ex-international Waidi Akanni said Rufai’s body had been deposited at a Lagos hospital. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hailed him as “a giant of Nigerian football,” describing him on X as a legend “whose legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
Former Eagles teammates, including Segun Odegbami and Etim Esin, expressed deep sorrow. Esin, visibly shaken, said, “We played together; I can’t imagine he’s gone. This is so sad.”
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba said Rufai was a source of inspiration. “It’s a great honour to have been called an ex-Eagles goalkeeper alongside someone like that,” he said.
Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa also shared a heartfelt tribute: “Your heroic reflexes brought us pride on the world stage. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy.”
Remo Stars, Nigeria Premier Football League champions, extended condolences, stating they were “deeply shocked and saddened,” while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Rufai’s death as “a profound loss to the global football community.”
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai debuted for Nigeria in 1981 and went on to become one of the most iconic goalkeepers in African football history. He was Nigeria’s first-choice shot-stopper at the 1984, 1988, and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), culminating in the country’s victory in Tunisia in 1994.
He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, helping the team reach the Round of 16 on both occasions.
Beyond national duties, Rufai had a stellar club career, playing for Stationery Stores FC in Nigeria, Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Deportivo La Coruna and Hércules CF in Spain, and Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
Post-retirement, Rufai dedicated himself to nurturing young talent and once served as coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 national team.
Peter Rufai’s contribution to football transcended his on-field heroics. His leadership, discipline, and humility made him a role model to generations of Nigerian footballers. As Nigeria mourns the loss of a national icon, the name Dodo Mayana will forever echo in the annals of African football.
