Celebrated former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai is dead. He died today, July 3 after a prolonged illness, aged 61
A report monitored on radio today confirmed the death of Rufai who was popularly referred to as Dodo Mayana by football fans.
Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai was born on 24 August 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria.
He started his football club career in 1980 with Stationery Stores of Nigeria, moved to Femo Scorpions in 1985 and to AS Dragons de l’Ouémé of Benin Republic between 1986 and 87, becoming the first Nigerian keeper abroad. He also played for Lokeren in Belgium, from 1987 to 91, though he had limited appearances. From 1991 to 1993, he was with Beveren Belgium, from where he went to Go Ahead Eagles of Netherlands in 1993, participating in 12 matches.
Peter Rufai also moved to S.C. Farense in Portugal, in 1994 and was instrumental in UEFA Cup qualification and in 1997, he went to Hércules CF of Spain and then to Deportivo La Coruña in 1997 as backup keeper.
Peter Rufai appeared 65 times in the Green Eagles national squad and took full part in the Africa Cup of Nations, as winner in Tunisia in1994, FIFA World Cup in 1994 (USA) and 1998 (France); reached Round of 16 both times
He scored a penalty in 6–0 win versus Ethiopia on 24 July 1993 during AFCON qualification and in the finals on 28 June 1998 with Denmark
Peter Rufai was hghly respected for bravery, consistency, and professionalism; regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers
He was an advocate of hard work, discipline and focus as cornerstones of goalkeeping success.
On his retirement, he founded Peter Rufai International Football School, later Staruf FC, in Lagos in 2010. It was meant to foster youth and goalkeepers
Peter Rufai studied for coaching badges at Nigeria’s National Institute for Sports in Lagos (2023).
He was Married to Mikaila Rufai and together they have four children
Children: Eldest son, Senbaty, played for Sunshine Stars in Nigeria Premier League.
Peter Rufai’s journey from Lagos streets to global stadiums was a testament to his resilience and skill. A pioneer among Nigerian goalkeepers, his legacy encompasses national glory (AFCON ’94), global acclaim (World Cups), and a post-retirement mission of mentoring the next generation.
