For the football world, July 3, 2025 will never be forgotten in a hurry. The former Super Eagles of Nigeria goal keeper, Peter Rufai took a final bow and he answered an eternal call of his creator.
Early life
Peter Rufai was born on 24 August 1963 and was a professional footballer who played for Stationery Stores F.C. in Nigeria as a goalkeeper.
He competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted 20 years.
Rufai represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Club career
He was born in Lagos and Rufai started his career in his country, playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions. He moved to Benin in 1986, with AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.
At a more professional level Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly.
However, in the 1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
In 1994, Rufai started a Portuguese adventure with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever. His solid performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, but he struggled to start for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation.
However, Rufai signed with established Deportivo de La Coruña the ensuing summer, backing up another African, Jacques Songo’o, for two seasons – this included keeping a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win against CD Tenerife (1–0) as the Cameroonian was suspended. He then returned to Portugal for one final year, with modest Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice.
Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper’s school.
International career
Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 as their first-choice goalkeeper and also helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifying match against Ethiopia, Rufai scored a penalty in a 6–0 home win.
Personal life and death
Rufai was the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu. In early 1998, as his father died, he was allowed by his club (Deportivo) to return to Nigeria to discuss the succession, but turned down the status for himself.
He was married to stella Rufai and had 3 children: first son Tunde, first daughter TUtu and another daughter Abiodun. Rufai’s also had other children out of wedluck; one of them, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier League.
Rufai died at the age of 61 on 3 July 2025 after a long illness.
Tinubu, Obi, others mourn Rufai
However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his shock over the demise Peter Rufai.
In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.
Tinubu praised Rufai’s lasting impact on Nigerian football, describing him as a legendary figure beloved by fans across the country who affectionately called him “Dodomayana.”
He lauded the ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper as a patriotic sportsman who carved his name in gold in Nigeria’s football history and across the African continent.
In his statement, he said that “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 AFCON in Tunisia.
“He was the first-choice goalkeeper. He also followed up with Nigeria’s equally epoch-making first appearance at the FIFA World Cup competition, dubbed “U.S.A. ’94.”
“Rufai was also a strong member of the team at the subsequent edition of the competition in France in 1998.”
“Having started his career with Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980, Rufai was one of the earliest footballers in Nigeria to go professional.
“He played in many European countries, including Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, bringing honour to the nation and opening a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The president also acknowledged Rufai’s vital contributions to grassroots football and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players in Nigeria.
“After he retired from active football, Peter, a prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, set up the Staruf Football Academy, where he continued to inspire, mentor, and nurture young footballers,” Tinubu said.
In the same vein, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed sadness over the passing of Peter Rufai, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper.
In a condolence message on his official X handle, Obi described the death of the ex-Nigeria goalkeeper as unfortunate, stating that he gave his all for the country during his active days.
Obi said Rufai delighted many football-loving Nigerians with unforgettable moments throughout his playing career.
The former Anambra State governor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and asked God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in power, Peter Rufai, our Dodo Mayana,” Obi said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also added his voice to the growing tributes pouring in for the iconic ex- goalkeeper .
In a brief statement on Thursday night, Atiku extended condolences to Rufai’s family and the Nigerian football community, describing the late goalkeeper as a national icon whose impact on the game would never be forgotten.
“It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana. His death is a profound loss to the global football community,” Atiku said.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) through its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead?” What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”
The official Super Eagles X page wrote: “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.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.
“Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the post said.
Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa in a post on his X handle also bid farewell to “true giant of Nigerian football.”
He said: “Cant believe im typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.
“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.
Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend.”
Rangers International hailed Rufai’s contribution to Nigerian football, adding that the goalkeeping icon will be missed.
The club wrote: “Though he never wore our colours, his legendary performances for the Super Eagles inspired generations across the nation, including countless players who proudly represent Rangers today. His impact on Nigerian football is immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be part of the story we tell our young talents.
“We honour his memory, his service, and the pride he brought to our game.”
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that Peter Rufai died at the age of 61.
According to a release by his family on Friday, “we thank everyone for your love and expression of sympathy. A formal announcement of the burial arrangements will be made in due course,” the statement concluded.
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