Who Is Peter Rufai? What Is the Cause Behind Nigeria Goalkeeping Legend's Death?

The Nigerian football community is in grief following the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 61, Nigeria's Following a protracted illness that had kept him away from public appearances for several months, the former Nigeria goalkeeper—lovingly known as "Dodo Mayana"—passed away early on Thursday morning.

Who was Peter Rufai?

Born into a royal family on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, Peter Rufai's father was a tribal chief in Idimu, Lagos State. Although Rufai was supposed to inherit the crown, he decided to follow his love for football instead. He turned into a giant figure in African football history and among Nigeria's most famous goalkeepers.

Representing Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups—USA '94 and France '98—Rufai won an incredible 65 international caps for the Super Eagles. During Nigeria's momentous 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in Tunisia, where the team claimed their second continental trophy, Rufai was the top-choice goalkeeper. Among the most iconic moments in Nigerian football are his World Cup performances in 1994, when he captained the side in their first encounter against Bulgaria. The goalkeeper's career covered more than two decades and several nations. Starting with Femo Scorpions and Stationery Stores from local clubs, he traveled to Europe in 1986.

His European adventure included stops in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña). Peter Rufai was instrumental in the club's first qualification for the UEFA Cup, conceding only 38 goals in 34 games throughout the 1994–95 season.

Following his retirement from professional football, Peter Rufai remained active in football development through his Staruf Academy in Lagos, where he mentored young goalkeepers and aspiring athletes. He was also involved in various sports advocacy and community development programs.

Reason Behind Peter Rufai Death

Radio Nigeria was the first media outlet to announce Peter Rufai's death, verifying that he died on Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, after an extended illness. Though the precise nature of his illness has not been formally revealed, several sources claim he had been fighting health issues for many months, therefore preventing public appearances.

Former colleague and close buddy who is also Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Waidi Akanni, verified the death, adding that the late goalie had died at 6:00 AM and had been transferred to the mortuary. Though no official statement had been made by his family at the time of the first reports, a senior official of the Lagos State Government also verified the information.

Describing Rufai as "a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion," the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially confirmed his death through a tribute posted on their X (formerly Twitter) account. The tribute said: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We are saddened by the death of iconic Super Eagles goaltender Peter Rufai, a titan of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy continues between the sticks and further. Sleep well, Peter Rufai.”

With condolences coming in from supporters, former teammates, and football administrators who recall Peter Rufai for his extraordinary reflexes, leadership characteristics, and contributions to Nigerian football during its golden age, Peter Rufai death has shocked the Nigerian football scene and beyond. With him gone, an era for Nigerian football draws to a close since he was regarded as among the best goalkeepers the country had ever produced.