The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai.
Widely known by fans as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 61, after a long illness that kept him out of the public eye for some time, prompting tributes from across the football world, including from the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
In a heartfelt statement shared via their official X handle on Thursday, the Super Eagles described Rufai as a towering figure in the history of Nigerian football whose legacy will forever be remembered.
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai — a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the post read.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
The Nigeria Football Federation also paid tribute to the former shot-stopper, echoing the sentiments of loss and reverence.
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the NFF wrote.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
Rufai earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles during a storied international career that saw him play a pivotal role in one of Nigeria’s golden eras. He was instrumental in the team’s triumph at the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia and was part of the historic squad that secured Nigeria’s maiden qualification for the FIFA World Cup in the same year.
He also featured at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, further cementing his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.
Rufai’s leadership, agility, and charisma made him not just a dependable last line of defense but also an inspirational figure both on and off the pitch. His contributions to Nigerian football remain etched in the hearts of fans and players alike.
Funeral arrangements and further tributes are expected to be announced by the family and the NFF in the coming days.
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