Nigeria's football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 2, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was 61 years old.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the sad news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football” and a key member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.
Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the NFF posted.
Rufai’s death was also confirmed by his close friend and former Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Waidi Akanni, who revealed that the football legend passed away around 6:00am and had since been taken to the mortuary.
Nicknamed Dodomayana, Peter Rufai was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers of all time. His professional career spanned more than two decades, with stints at clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Rufai represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cup tournaments and featured prominently in multiple AFCON competitions, including 1984, 1988, and 1994 — the year Nigeria lifted the coveted continental trophy.
He was known not only for his acrobatic saves and leadership on the pitch but also for his calm demeanor and patriotism.
Tragically, his death comes on the same day global football was also hit by the shocking news of the reported death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who allegedly died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother.
As tributes pour in from across the world, fans, teammates, and football stakeholders continue to celebrate the legacy of a man who gave his all for Nigeria.
Rest in peace, Dodomayana. Your gloves may be hung, but your legend lives forever. 🇳🇬⚽🕊️
