Peter Rufai: 10 Remarkable Facts About the Late Super Eagles Legend

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Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai dies at 61, leaving behind an inspiring legacy in Nigerian and African football.
Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana”, was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in two FIFA World Cups and 1994 AFCON.
From royal roots to scoring for Nigeria, Rufai’s career was marked by rare feats and lasting impact on youth football.

Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers and a legend of African football, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of footballers and fans.

Known for his agility, leadership, and unforgettable saves, Rufai — fondly called “Dodo Mayana” — was a central figure during Nigeria’s golden era in international football. Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Rufai’s life was a unique blend of royalty, resilience, and relentless passion for the game.

As Nigerians and the football world mourn his loss, here are key facts about the late Super Eagles goalkeeper:

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Peter Rufai was born into a royal family in Lagos and famously turned down his father’s kingship to pursue football. He played for clubs across Europe, including Belgium’s Lokeren and Spain’s Deportivo La Coruña. Rufai was instrumental in helping Portuguese side SC Farense qualify for their first-ever UEFA Cup.

He earned 65 international caps and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Remarkably, he once scored a penalty for Nigeria in a 6–0 AFCON qualifier victory against Ethiopia — a rare feat for a goalkeeper.

Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana” for his acrobatic saves, Rufai later returned to school to earn coaching credentials and founded Staruf Football Academy in Lagos to mentor young talents.

Though his 1998 World Cup exit against Denmark was a tough moment, Rufai’s discipline and passion kept him relevant in football for over two decades.

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