Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai was confirmed dead on Thursday evening in a statement on the official X account of the Super Eagles.

“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 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the statement read.

With Rufai having achieved a lot in his football career, the following are ten things about the late legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, popularly known as Dodo Mayana…

1. Rufai was born on 24 August, 1963 and died on 3 July, 2025.

2. His club career saw him play in European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain in a senior career that lasted 20 years.

3. Rufai represented Nigeria at two World Cups, US in 1994 and France in 1999
and as many African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.

4. The former Nigerian goalkeeper passed away at the age of 61 after reportedly battling a prolonged illness.

5. Rufai kept goal for the Nigerian national team on 65 occasions and scored one goal despite being a goalkeeper.

6. Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career in Nigeria, playing for Stationery Stores F.C and Femo Scorpions. He moved to the Republic of Benin in 1986, joining AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.

7. He helped the Super Eagles to win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia, making vital saves in the tournament.

8. On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifying match against Ethiopia at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Rufai scored a penalty in a 6–0 home win for Nigeria.

9. Rufai was the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu, Lagos State. In early 1998, as his father died, he was allowed by his club, Deportivo La Coruna of Spain to return to Nigeria to discuss the succession, but turned down the status for himself.

10. Rufai’s oldest son, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).