National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Peter Rufai, one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers, has reportedly passed away at the age of 61.
According to BSNSports.com.ng, the former Super Eagles shot-stopper died on the morning of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public eye. While the family is yet to make an official announcement, a senior Lagos State Government official has confirmed the sad development.
Fondly known as Dodomayana, Rufai was widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers. Over a distinguished career spanning two decades, he earned 65 caps for the national team, featuring in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) and playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
At club level, Rufai played for teams across Europe, including stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. On the domestic front, he began his career with Stationery Stores in Lagos before moving abroad.
His death comes days after the Federal Government of Nigeria fulfilled age-long promise of houses promised the victorious Super Eagles for winning the Tunisia 94 African Cup of Nations in which Rufai was outstanding.
The sad news also came on a tragic day for global football, as news also broke of the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who reportedly died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother earlier in the day.
Peter Rufai’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and inspiration for generations of goalkeepers to come.
