Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and Nigerian football icon, Peter Rufai, has passed away, according to reports confirmed on July 3, 2025.
Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana,” was a national hero and a key figure in Nigeria’s football golden era.
He was the first-choice goalkeeper during the Super Eagles’ historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory — Nigeria’s second-ever continental title — and proudly represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
Throughout his career, Rufai set several remarkable records.
He was one of the few Nigerian goalkeepers to have played professionally in Europe, featuring prominently in leagues in the Netherlands, Turkey, and Spain.
His stellar performances earned him the Nigerian Footballer of the Year award in 1994 and cemented his legacy as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.
Beyond his playing career, Rufai was a passionate advocate for the development of young athletes.
Known for his discipline and humility, he tirelessly promoted education among sports youth, encouraging a balance between academics and athletics.
His leadership on and off the field left a lasting impact on Nigerian football, inspiring generations of goalkeepers who followed.
Details about his funeral are still awaited as the nation mourns one of its greatest sporting legends.
