Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper Is Dead

Legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025. 

He died at the age of 61

The death of the former Super Eagles shot-stopper was confirmed by a senior official of the Lagos State Government.

Although no formal announcement has yet been issued by his family.

While details surrounding his death remain scarce and an official family statement is still being awaited, Radio Nigeria revealed that Rufai passed away on Thursday morning following a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public in recent months.

In a statement released on Thursday via X, the national team described Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” as a towering figure in Nigerian football history whose contributions would never be forgotten.

“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement read.

The statement lauded Rufai’s legacy, particularly his heroics between the posts and his influence beyond the pitch.

“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added.

Rufai was part of the historic Nigerian squad that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup the same year.

His club career spanned local and international engagements, including stints with Stationery Stores in Nigeria and Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands.

Known for his composure and leadership on the field, Rufai was a key figure in Nigerian football during the 1990s.

In a separate development before his death, Rufai had issued a public statement in June alerting the public to a cyberattack on his data.

He reported that unknown individuals had gained access to his personal and corporate information, including his Nigerian passport, and had called on authorities and the public to be vigilant.

At the time, he expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian law enforcement agencies to investigate the breach and bring those responsible to justice.