Former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has passed away.
The legendary Nigerian goaltender died on Thursday after a prolonged illness aged 61.
Fondly known as Dodomayana, Rufai was widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced.
His football career spanned two decades, during which he played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Rufai represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups and participated in three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, winning silver in 1984 and 1988 before clinching the AfCoN cup in 1994.
Meanwhile, the Rufai family has described the death of the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Prince Peter Rufai, as an irreplaceable loss, expressing deep sorrow at the passing of their beloved father, brother, and national icon.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the family paid tribute to the former Nigerian international, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
“With total submission to the will of Almighty God, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition to glory of our father and brother, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Prince Peter ‘Dodo Manyana’ Rufai.
“He died at Six O’Clock in the morning on Thursday, 3rd of July, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 61 years old.”
While acknowledging the shock that accompanied the news of his passing, the family expressed gratitude for the life he lived, one marked by excellence, patriotism, and inspiration to many.
“Despite our shock and sadness at his rather sudden demise, we are indeed extremely grateful to God Almighty for the impactful life that he granted Prince Peter Rufai through a very successful football career that made him to become world famous”, the statement continued.
The family recalled his remarkable football journey that began in the late 1970s with the Sharks Football Club in Port Harcourt, rising through the ranks to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper.
“From a humble beginning with Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt in the late 1970s, he rose steadily through the ranks in the national team to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98. He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at Tunisia ‘94. Altogether, he won 66 caps with the national team and scored one goal”, the statement added.
Beyond the national team, Rufai’s club career spanned continents—taking him to top leagues in Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—earning him admiration across Europe and Africa.
“Prince Peter Rufai also enjoyed a successful club career that took him from home in Nigeria to Benin Republic, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.”
After retirement, he returned home to focus on youth development, setting up Staruf Sports Development Limited, where he worked to nurture young athletes and promote grassroots sports.
Born in Lagos, Rufai began his football journey in Nigeria, featuring for Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions. In 1986, he made a move to Benin Republic, where he joined AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.
