Peter Rufai, Nigeria's iconic "Dodo Mayana" and legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper left behind a legacy as mighty as his gloves.
The football world mourns as Nigerian goalkeeping legend Peter "Dodo Mayana" Rufai passed away on 3 July 2025, at the age of 61 after battling a prolonged illness.
His death, confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation, leaves a void in African football and the hearts of millions of fans.
Peter Rufai was Nigeria's legendary shot-stopper and the heartbeat of the Super Eagles during their golden era.
Known to millions as "Dodo Mayana", Rufai was more than just a goalkeeper - he was a national treasure, a prince who chose football over the throne, and a symbol of Nigerian pride on the world stage.
From the streets of Lagos to the stadiums of Europe, his journey remains one of football's most inspiring African stories.
In this article, Pulse Sports reveals some untold truths about the Super Eagles' legendary goalkeeper.
1. From Lagos royalty to sporting glory
Born on 24 August 1963 in Lagos, Peter Rufai was the son of a tribal king from Idimu.
Though entitled to traditional royalty, he chose a career between the posts over a crown-turning down succession in 1998, shortly after his father's death.
2. He played in Europe for two decades
Spending 20 seasons in professional football, Peter Rufai plied his trade in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente) and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña).
He earned a reputation as Europe's first-choice Nigerian keeper.
3. Peter Rufai was a World Cup warrior
Rufai proudly represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998).
As first-choice goalkeeper, his calm leadership backboned the Super Eagles' rise on the global stage.
4. He was integral to Nigeria's first-ever AFCON title
Peter Rufai featured prominently as Nigeria claimed their first-ever AFCON title on foreign soil in 1994.
His shot-stopping acts, especially in Tunisia, remain legendary .
6. He was a rare scoring keeper
Unexpectedly, Rufai scored one goal in his professional career -converting a penalty in a 6-0 qualifier win over Ethiopia on 24 July 1993 at Surulere Stadium.
It remains a standout moment in his international record.
7. He is the second most-capped goalkeeper in the history of Nigerian football
Between 1983 and 1998, Peter Rufai made 65 official appearances for the Super Eagles - the second-most capped goalkeeper after Vincent Enyeama
8. His football gene lives on
Peter Rufai's legacy didn't end with his final save - it continued through his son. Senbaty Rufai, his eldest child, also pursued professional football.
A midfielder by trade, Senbaty once trialled with Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
9. The meaning behind his legendary nickname "Dodo Mayana"
Rufai earned his moniker "Dodo Mayana" for his imposing frame and unshakable focus.
Fans worshipped his fearless dives, last-minute saves, and effortless leadership. On the pitch, he wasn't just a goalkeeper - he was a one-man fortress.
Peter Rufai played not just with gloves on his hands, but with passion in his heart.
From Lagos to La Liga, from royalty to resilience, his was a journey etched in legend.
Rest easy, Dodo Mayana!! You didn't just guard goals, you guarded a nation's dreams.
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