Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana”, has died at the age of 61.
The news of his passing was confirmed via a post on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Super Eagles on Thursday, 3rd July, 2025. However, the cause of his death was yet to be disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and 1994 AFCON champion. Rufai, fondly known as ‘Dodo Mayana’, was a towering figure in Nigerian football history whose contributions will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts,” the Super Eagles posted.
Rufai began his professional football journey with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 before rising to national and international fame. A pivotal figure in Nigeria’s golden generation of the 1990s, he earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cup tournaments — in 1994 and 1998.
He was also a member of the AFCON-winning squad in 1994, a historic moment that cemented his legacy in African football.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country and the football community, hailing Rufai as one of Nigeria’s greatest ever goalkeepers.
