When the news broke on July 3rd that Peter Rufai had passed away at 61, a wave of nostalgia and sadness swept across Nigeria. For many football-loving Nigerians, Rufai wasn’t just a goalkeeper — he was a symbol of an era when the Super Eagles played fearless football and carried the hopes of millions on their backs.
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai carried more than gloves on his shoulders. He was a prince from Idimu, with royal duties calling after his father’s passing in 1999. But football was his true kingdom, and instead of the palace throne, he chose the goalpost.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”, a Yoruba chant he turned into a celebratory anthem, Rufai’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the world’s biggest football stages is the stuff of legend.
From Lagos to the World
Rufai started at home with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions, before venturing to Benin Republic with Dragons de l’Ouémé. But Europe soon came calling. He suited up for clubs across Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain — Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, Gil Vicente, Hércules, even Deportivo La Coruña.
He wasn’t just travelling; he was representing. In a time when few Nigerians got the chance to shine in Europe, Rufai became one of our first true football ambassadors.
Super Eagles’ Safe Hands
Between 1983 and 1998, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, becoming the heartbeat of the defence. He stood tall at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), helping Nigeria lift the trophy. The same year, he became the first-choice goalkeeper at our debut FIFA World Cup in the USA, and again in France ‘98.
One unforgettable highlight? Rufai calmly slotting home a penalty in a 6–0 win over Ethiopia during AFCON qualifiers. Goalkeepers don’t usually score, but “Dodo Mayana” wasn’t your usual keeper.
Beyond the Gloves
Even after hanging his boots, Rufai stayed close to the game. He ran a goalkeeping school in Spain, mentoring young African keepers, and occasionally chipped in with Nigeria’s U-23 setups. His passion for football was never in doubt.
The Final Whistle
On July 3, 2025, Rufai’s remarkable journey came to an end. Tributes poured in from teammates, fans, and football lovers across Nigeria and beyond. They remembered not just his saves, but his swagger, his leadership, and his ability to make Nigerians believe.
Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai may be gone, but his legacy remains — in every young goalkeeper dreaming of Europe, in every fan who remembers USA ‘94, and in the chant that will forever echo: Dodo Mayana, Dodo Mayana!
👉 Over to you: What’s your fondest memory of Peter Rufai? That penalty? AFCON ‘94? Or the way he shouted at defenders to “wake up”? Share it with us in the comments.
