10 key facts about late Super Eagles goalie, Peter Rufai

Peter Rufai was a legendary Nigerian goalkeeper whose career spanned over two decades across Africa and Europe.

Fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai was celebrated for his reflexes, leadership, and defining role in Nigeria’s golden football generation.

He passed away on July 3, 2025, aged 61, after a prolonged illness.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of footballers and fans alike.

As Nigeria and the global football community mourn his passing, here are 10 things to know about the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper.

1. Born into royalty

Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, into a royal family. His father was a traditional ruler in Idimu, but Rufai turned down the throne to pursue a career in football.

2. Extensive club career across Europe

Rufai played professionally in five countries: Nigeria, Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.

His club journey included stints with Stationery Stores, Lokeren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, Hércules, and Deportivo La Coruña.

3. He made history with SC Farense in Portugal

During the 1994–95 season, Rufai helped Portuguese club SC Farense qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history by conceding just 38 goals in 34 matches.

4. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for years

Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria between 1983 and 1998.

He was the starting goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and played a key role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Tunisia.

5. He scored a goal for the Super Eagles

In an unusual moment for a goalkeeper, Rufai scored a penalty in a 6–0 victory over Ethiopia during the 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers  his only international goal.

6. His nickname was “Dodo Mayana”

Fans called him “Dodo Mayana” in admiration of his cat-like reflexes, agility, and command of the penalty box — a nickname that became part of his football identity.

7. He returned to school to study coaching

In 2023, long after retiring, Rufai enrolled at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos to earn formal coaching certifications, showing his lifelong commitment to football development.

8. Founded the Staruf football academy

Rufai established the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, mentoring young goalkeepers and advocating for a balance between education and sport.

9. He lived by discipline and focus

Rufai credited his long career which spanned 20 years to discipline, dedication, and consistency, values he regularly passed on to younger athletes.

10. He passed away in 2025

Peter Rufai died on July 3, 2025, after a long illness.

He is remembered as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, a national hero, and a role model who inspired generations of footballers.