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13 hours ago
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- Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has passed distant astatine 61 aft a prolonged illness
- The legendary goalkeeper played successful 2 World Cups, won AFCON successful 1994, and earned 65 caps for Nigeria
- Fans and shot bodies person paid tribute to “Dodo Mayana” crossed societal media and beyond
Nigeria is mourning the nonaccomplishment of 1 of its top football legends, Peter Rufai, popularly known arsenic Dodo Mayana, who passed distant connected Thursday, July 3, 2025, astatine the property of 61 aft battling a prolonged illness.
Rufai was much than conscionable a goalkeeper; helium was a awesome of pride, resilience, and excellence successful Nigerian football.
Source: Getty Images
With a vocation that spanned 2 decades, the 61-year-old goalie guarded the posts for clubs crossed Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain earlier leaving his unforgettable people connected the Nigerian nationalist team, Vanguard reports.
His decease comes arsenic a treble stroke to the shot community, already shaken by the tragic passing of Liverpool guardant Diogo Jota and his brother.
Yet, Rufai's passing stands connected its own, marking the extremity of an epoch for a procreation of fans who grew up watching the aureate property of Nigerian football.
A bequest etched successful glory
According to the Daily Post, Peter Rufai made 65 appearances for the Super Eagles betwixt 1983 and 1998, commanding respect and admiration arsenic Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during its astir memorable era.
Source: Getty Images
He was portion of the legendary squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) successful 1994, and besides represented Nigeria astatine 2 FIFA World Cups, successful USA ’94 and France ’98.
Rufai’s performances betwixt the goalpost were marked by calm authority, crisp reflexes, and leadership.
He was not conscionable a player, helium was a rallying unit for the Super Eagles team.
Beyond his on-pitch brilliance, Rufai was known for his gentlemanly quality and professionalism, traits that endeared him to fans, teammates, and coaches alike.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) paid tribute with a heartfelt connection on X (formerly Twitter):
"Forever successful our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a elephantine of Nigerian shot and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your bequest lives connected betwixt the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai."Nigerians wage tribute to a fallen hero
News of Rufai’s passing has triggered an affectional question crossed societal media, with Nigerians from each walks of beingness paying tribute to the antheral who stood gangly for the nation.
Mr Nigerian Football wrote:
“My begetter told maine stories astir him astatine the World Cup. Stories I’ll walk onto my children. Rest successful peace, Dodo Mayana 🦅💔.”Another added:
“RIP Peter Rufai. A Nigerian shot fable 💔 🕊️ 🦅 🇳🇬”Another grieving instrumentality posted:
“Tunisia 94 was my archetypal enactment with football. In that tournament, I thought his archetypal sanction was Keeper, truthful I called him Keeper Rufai. I was lone 8 then. I’m definite I wasn’t alone.”Peter Rufai dies astatine 61
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Stationery Stores legend Peter Rufai is reported dormant following a prolonged illness.
The quality came arsenic a rude daze to the shot assemblage and Nigerians who are immense fans of the goalkeeper.
The announcement of his decease was confirmed by a apical Lagos State Government official.
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Source: Legit.ng
