Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper, dies at 61

Summary

• Tributes pour in for “Dodo Mayana” following his death in Lagos on 3 July
• Cause of death reported variously as prolonged illness, cardiac arrest, or sudden ailment
• President Tinubu, FIFA, and ex-teammates among many paying tribute to the football icon

Lagos, Nigeria – Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers and affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” has died at the age of 61. The former Super Eagles captain passed away in the early hours of Thursday, 3 July 2025, in a hospital in Lagos. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from the football community in Nigeria and beyond.

Rufai, who earned 65 caps for Nigeria over a 17-year international career, had reportedly been battling health issues for some time. While several outlets such as BBC Sport and AP News referenced a prolonged illness, other sources, including Spanish media cited by Legit.ng, reported that he died from a cardiac arrest linked to a chronic heart condition.

However, some organisations, including notjustok.com and the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), described his death as the result of a brief illness. Despite the conflicting reports, what remains consistent is the profound impact of his passing.

Confirmation of his death came from both family and official sources. A statement signed by 11 members of the Rufai family acknowledged the loss, though it did not provide medical details. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was among the first to react publicly, describing Rufai as a “giant of Nigerian football” and hailing his legacy both on and off the pitch.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep sadness, describing Rufai as a national hero whose exploits, particularly during Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory and the country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance that same year, earned him a revered place in the nation’s history. Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and a host of former teammates also issued heartfelt tributes.

Born on 24 August 1963 in Lagos, Rufai was the son of a traditional ruler in Idimu but chose football over royalty. He started his career with Sharks FC in Port Harcourt before making his mark with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions. His talent took him across Europe, with notable spells in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for clubs including Deportivo La Coruña and Hercules CF.

On the international stage, Rufai was a cornerstone of the Super Eagles, helping Nigeria win the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia and representing the country at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Notably, he became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score in an international match, converting a penalty during an AFCON qualifier in 1993.

Beyond his playing days, Rufai dedicated himself to nurturing young talent through the Peter Rufai Academy and served in various advisory and developmental roles within Nigerian football. His mentorship, humility, and commitment to youth development were frequently cited in the tributes paid to him.

Rufai is the sixth member of Nigeria’s historic 1994 AFCON-winning squad to pass away, joining a growing list of fallen national heroes. Despite his health challenges, he remained engaged in public discourse, issuing a statement as recently as June 2025 regarding a cyberattack on his personal data.

Peter Rufai’s death is being mourned as a significant loss to Nigerian sport and culture. His memory lives on not only in highlight reels and medals but in the hearts of those he inspired, coached, and represented with honour.

His funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.