NFF mourns passing of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai
The Nigeria Football Federation has joined in mourning the loss of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died in Lagos on Thursday morning at the age of 61 after a brief illness.
The news of Rufai’s passing was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sparking widespread grief across the country and among football fans globally.
“This is really, really shocking,” said NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi in a statement from Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We didn’t even know he was ill. We pray earnestly to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family and the entire Nigerian football family.”
According to reports, the former Super Eagles star had been unwell for a few weeks and passed away at around 6am in a Lagos hospital. His body has since been deposited at the hospital morgue, confirmed by former international teammate Waidi Akanni.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”, Rufai was one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers. He made his debut for the national team—then called the Green Eagles—in December 1981 and went on to serve as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for nearly two decades.
He was instrumental in Nigeria’s successes at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), winning silver medals in 1984 and 1988, and lifting the trophy in 1994 in Tunisia. That same year, Rufai starred in Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in the USA, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16. He also played at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Beyond his national team heroics, Rufai had a remarkable club career. He first gained national attention with Stationery Stores FC in Lagos, helping them reach the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup final. He later played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, becoming one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to make a significant impact in European football.
After retirement, Rufai dedicated his life to youth football development and briefly served as coordinator of Nigeria’s U-23 team, mentoring young talents and promoting grassroots football.
Peter Rufai’s death marks the end of a golden era and leaves behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and leadership. Tributes are pouring in from fans, former teammates, and football bodies across the world.
He is survived by his family, and funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
