A Former Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, also known as Dodo Mayana, dies yesterday in his Idimu, Lagos, home, according to his associates.

Rufai, who spent his career manning posts for clubs in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Belgium, Holland and Spain, reportedly died from a protracted illness, which kept him out of circulation for a while. His associates said the former Stationery Stores, who star died about 6.00 a.m., has been transferred to a mortuary.

Rufai played for Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning one of the highlights of his over 20-year career being the triumph at the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career with Stationery Stores F.C. and also played for Femo Scorpions, before moving to Benin Republic in 1986 play for AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.

He also spent six years in Belgium, where he played for K.S.C. LokerenOost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren. After his stint with Beveren, Rufai joined Dutch side, Go Ahead Eagles in the 1993–94 season before transferring to Portugal in 1994 with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever.

His solid performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, where he played for HérculesCF and Deportivo de La Coruñabefore returning to Portugal with modest Gil Vicente FC.

The former Super Eagles captain, who established a football academy on retirement and return to Nigeria, was also into sports marketing business, representing several brands.

One of his children, Senbaty, who also played football, but as a midfielder, once appeared for Sunshine Stars of Akure in the Nigeria Premier League.