Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 61.
The Nigerian Football Federation announced the death Thursday.
Rufai was widely regarded as one of the best African goalkeepers ever and had a 20-year playing career that included stints at clubs in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Nigerian federation wrote on X that the legacy of Rufai, whose nickname was Dodo Mayana, would live on “between the sticks and beyond.” Local media said he had suffered from a brief, undisclosed illness.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also paid tribute to Rufai in a statement Friday.
“I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Tinubu said.
He praised Rufai for “bringing honor to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria.”
Rufai was part of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup squad in the U.S. which helped put the country’s football on the global map.
He also represented Nigeria at 1998 World Cup in France.
He was the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score a goal for his team internationally, in a 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. Rufai, the first Nigerian player to come from a royal family, had more than 60 caps for the Super Eagles.
After retiring from professional football in 2000, he established Staruf Football Academy where he coached young players.
Rufai has been hailed as a “giant of football” after the former Nigeria goalkeeper died aged 61 on Thursday following a prolonged illness.
Affectionately known as Dodo Mayana, he helped the Super Eagles win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and also represented his nation at the Fifa World Cup in 1994 and 1998.
Born in Lagos, Rufai enjoyed a stellar international career, earning 65 caps between 1983 and 1998.
His safe hands, commanding presence and calm demeanour made him a stand-out performer for Nigeria’s golden generation of the 1990s.
Rufai’s death marks yet another loss from Nigeria’s celebrated 1994 squad, the team that not only conquered Africa but also announced the country’s arrival on the global stage by reaching the last 16 on their World Cup debut in the United States.
He becomes the sixth member of the that side to pass away, following the late Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.
After starting his playing career locally with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions in Nigeria, Rufai went on to play professionally in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.
Known not just for his reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, Rufai’s dedication and professionalism inspired a generation of goalkeepers who followed in his footsteps.
“We lost an African legend Peter Rufai. May his soul rest well,” former Nigeria team-mate Kanu posted on social media.
“May your spirit continue to inspire all of us and future generations.”
Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa said that the “nation mourns a hero” following Rufai’s death.
“Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage,” Musa said.
“Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, Dodo Mayana.”
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