Peter Rufai: Super Eagles of Nigeria Football Legend Passes Away at 61
- The football world is mourning the painful loss of an iconic African football figure who won the 1994 AFCON with his country
- The world is already saddened by the tragic passing of Liverpool and Portugal national team winger, Diogo Jota
- The late goalkeeping icon signed for Farense in 1994 and helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club’s history
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Former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, has reportedly passed away aged 61.
Rufai, widely known by his nickname "Dodo Mayana," is celebrated for his remarkable talent and indelible mark he left on Nigerian football.
Source: Getty Images
His death is a poignant moment in the nation's sporting history, on a day the football world is already mourning the tragic passing of Portuguese international and Liverpool ace winger, Diogo Jota.
Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai passes away
According to the BBC, Peter Rufai, whose contribution to Nigerian football cannot be overstated, died on Thursday, July 3, albeit the cause of his death is not known yet.
As a key member of the Super Eagles squad that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title, Rufai's performances were central to Nigeria's dominance in African football during that period.
His skill and unshakable composure between the posts earned him a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced.
The Super Eagles, in a heartfelt tribute released on Thursday via X, praised the legendary goalkeeper as a "giant of Nigerian football."
“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 statement read. “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
Spotlight on Peter Rufai's football career
Peter Rufai’s journey to football greatness began in Lagos, where he was born. He started his career in the local Nigerian football scene, playing for Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions.
It was clear from the beginning that Rufai was destined for greater things, and his skillset quickly garnered attention.
In 1986, Rufai made the bold decision to move abroad and continue his career in Europe, signing with AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé in Benin.
This marked the beginning of a fruitful international career that would take him to several top-tier clubs across Europe.
Peter Rufai in European football
Rufai’s professional journey took him across several European leagues, spending six years in Belgium with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren.
While he didn’t feature prominently at Beveren, his time in Belgium laid the groundwork for future success.
The 1993–94 season marked a pivotal moment in Rufai's career. He joined Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, where he made 12 appearances in the Eredivisie.
This experience allowed him to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
According to Wikipedia, Rufai signed with S.C. Farense in 1994, and the legendary goalkeeper helped the club to an impressive defensive record, conceding just 38 goals in 34 matches.
This remarkable achievement helped Farense qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Rufai’s solid performances in Portugal earned him a move to Spain, where he signed with La Liga side Hércules CF.
However, his time in Spain was not as successful as he had hoped, as he struggled to secure a starting spot in a team that was eventually relegated from the top division.
Rufai joined Deportivo de La Coruna in 1997
Despite this setback, Rufai’s talent was undeniable, and he soon returned to the Spanish top tier, joining Deportivo de La Coruña. Here, Rufai spent two years as a backup to another African goalkeeper, Jacques Songo'o.
During this time, he made key contributions, including a memorable clean sheet in a 1–0 win against CD Tenerife in January 1998 when Songo'o was suspended.
Source: Getty Images
After leaving Deportivo, the African great returned to Portugal for one last stint, joining Gil Vicente FC. Though he played a secondary role as a backup goalkeeper, his experience and leadership were invaluable to the team.
He eventually retired from professional football, but his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever goalkeepers was already firmly established.
In an emotional exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, renowned Ghanaian sports journalist Precious Semevor was overcome with nostalgia as he reflected on the prime of Peter Rufai.
''I still remember his peak days like it was yesterday. He was so famous. Rufai paid his dues to Nigerian and African football. May he rest in peace.'' Semevor said.
Wilberforce Mfum passed away
YEN.com.gh earlier covered the passing of another African football icon, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, a former Black Stars of Ghana forward.
The sad incident happened on May 11 2025, and FIFA paid tribute to the late Asante Kotoko star with a minute of silence during the federation's recent congress.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
