Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in Lagos on Thursday at the age of 61 after reportedly battling illness for several weeks.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a statement confirming his death, described the late goalkeeper—fondly called “Dodo Mayana”—as a “charismatic and disciplined” sportsman whose post-retirement years were devoted to mentoring young talents across the country.
According to the NFF, Rufai died around 6am and his remains have since been deposited at a morgue in Lagos.
“Peter Rufai was more than a goalkeeper; he was a pillar of Nigerian football for nearly two decades.
“His contribution to the development of the game, both on and off the pitch, is immeasurable,” the statement read in part.
Rufai’s national career began in 1981 when he debuted for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match.
He went on to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during three African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments—winning silver in 1984 and 1988, and clinching gold at the 1994 edition in Tunisia.
He earned over 60 caps for Nigeria in a career that spanned 17 years and was among the golden generation of players that also featured in Nigeria’s maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in the USA in 1994.
His death marks yet another painful blow to the legendary 1994 squad, which has now lost several of its iconic members including Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Thompson Oliha.
Beyond his exploits on the pitch, Rufai was deeply admired for his humility and passion for youth development.
In retirement, he founded football academies and organised coaching clinics across states—actions which earned him respect far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Tributes have continued to pour in from ex-internationals, football stakeholders, and fans, many of whom described him as a national icon who gave his all to the beautiful game.
As the nation mourns, the NFF said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course in consultation with the Rufai family.
Peter Rufai is survived by his wife and children.
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