By Ghazali Ibrahim
Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper and one of the most iconic figures in African football, has died at the age of 61 after a protracted illness.
The former Super Eagles shot-stopper, fondly known as Dodomayana, passed away in the early hours of Thursday in Lagos.
Although an official statement from the family is still awaited, sources close to the Rufai household and officials in the Lagos State Government have confirmed the sad news.
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai enjoyed a celebrated football career that spanned over two decades.
He earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team and was a central figure in the country’s golden football era of the 1990s.
Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and played a key role in helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Aside from his national team exploits, Rufai had an extensive club career across Europe.
He played for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain including Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, SC Farense, Deportivo La Coruña, and Hércules CF.
He is remembered not only for his agility and confidence between the sticks, but also for scoring a rare goal for Nigeria in a 1993 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, a penalty kick that thrilled fans.
Peter Rufai’s football journey was as remarkable as his life off the pitch.
The son of a traditional ruler, he famously declined the opportunity to succeed his late father as king, choosing instead to follow his passion for football.
In retirement, he devoted himself to youth development and goalkeeper training, running football clinics both in Nigeria and Spain.
Tributes have begun pouring in from the Nigerian football community and beyond.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
Rufai is survived by his wife and children. He leaves behind a legacy that has deeply shaped Nigerian football and inspired countless young players to dream big.
