By Seyi Babalola
Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most legendary goalkeepers, died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and spectators.
Rufai, often known as “Dodo Mayana,” was a key character in Nigeria’s golden period of international football. He was recognised for his quickness, leadership, and spectacular saves.
Aside from his accomplishments on the pitch, Rufai’s life was a unique combination of aristocracy, resilience, and unwavering enthusiasm for the game.
As Nigerians and the football world mourn his loss, Daily Sun brings to you 7 things to know about the late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
1. Royal Heritage: Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, the son of a tribal monarch from Idimu, Lagos State. He famously declined to inherit the throne to pursue his passion for football.
2. Rufai’s distinctive nickname, “Dodo Mayana,” sprang from his agility, commanding presence, and acrobatic saves, which made him a fan favourite and a symbol of Nigerian football pride.
3. Rufai was one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to play professionally in mainstream Europe, with a 20-year career across clubs in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña).
Notably, he helped SC Farense secure their first-ever UEFA Cup qualification in the 1994–95 season.
4. Historic Penalty Goal: Rufai scored a penalty for Nigeria in a 6-0 win against Ethiopia during the 1993 AFCON qualifiers on July 24, 1993, his only international goal and a highlight of his career.
5. 1994 AFCON Champion: Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, playing a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s second continental title.
His penalty save against Ivory Coast’s Armani Yao in the semifinals was crucial to reaching the final.
6. World Cup Pioneer: As the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play at the FIFA World Cup, Rufai captained the Super Eagles in 1994 and also featured in 1998, leading Nigeria to the Round of 16 in both tournaments.
He earned 65 international caps over his 17-year career with Nigeria.
7. Youth Development Legacy: After retiring, Rufai founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos in 2010 to mentor young players, emphasizing discipline and education.
He also pursued formal coaching qualifications in 2023 at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos and opened a goalkeeping school in Spain in 2003.