Tributes Pour In as Super Eagles Legend Rufai Passes Away at 61

Tributes Pour In as Super Eagles Legend Rufai Passes Away at 61

Nigerian football was once again plunged into mourning on Thursday following the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 AFCON champion, Peter Rufai, at the age of 61.

Rufai reportedly died in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday after a brief illness.

Former Nigerian midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that his body had been deposited at a hospital in Lagos.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) described Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football” and one of the nation’s most iconic players.

“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana,” the NFF wrote on X.

“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well.”

Ex-Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami told our correspondent he was aware the goalkeeper had been battling illness but is presently shocked about his death.

I know he’s been ill and that he was in the hospital for a while,” he said.

“Now, I am at a loss and need to find out what has happened now.”

Former Eagles No.10, Etim Esin who was his teammate in the 90s, was deeply devastated by the news.

“Oh oh God! Dodo Manyana is dead. This is a great loss. We played together; I can’t imagine he’s gone, this is so sad.

“My condolence to his family and may his soul rest in peace.”

Another former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba also expressed sadness at the death of Rufai.

It’s really sad because he was someone I looked up to as a goalkeeper. It is a great honour to have been called an ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper alongside someone like that. May God bless his soul,” Aiyenugba told our correspondent.

Super Eagles skipper and Kano Pillars forward, Ahmed Musa also paid tribute to the goalkeeper.

“I can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.

“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODO MAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.”

Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars also sent condolences to the ex-Eagles goalkeeper’s family.

“Everyone at Remo Stars is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Nigerian goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community during this difficult time.”

Former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also said, “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana.

“His passing is a tremendous loss to the global football family. I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones and the entire Nigerian football community. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Peter Rufai’s outstanding legacy in the world of football will never be forgotten—he will be greatly missed.”

Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981. He earned silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988, before helping Nigeria clinch the coveted title in Tunisia in 1994, where he was the first-choice goalkeeper in all three tournaments.

Rufai also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, where the Super Eagles advanced to the round of 16 in both editions. After retiring from professional football, he dedicated himself to nurturing young talent and served at one point as the coordinator for Nigeria’s U-23 national team.

At the club level, Rufai was a legendary figure with Lagos-based Stationery Stores, playing a key role in their journey to the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981. His professional career took him across Europe, with notable stints at Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules in Spain, and Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.