Former Super Eagles legendary first-choice Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has died.
Rufai breathed his last
on Thursday after battling with prolonged illness.
He was aged 61 years old.
News of his death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, with tributes pouring in for the iconic Goalkeeper.
Dodomayana, as he was fondly called, was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers Nigeria has produced.
Rufai was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98.
Rufai earned over 60 caps for the national team and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
Beyond his national team heroics, he had a successful club career across Europe, playing for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos.
Nicknamed Dodomayana—a nod to his regal heritage as the son of a traditional ruler—Rufai was admired for his discipline, professionalism, and advocacy for education among aspiring athletes.
During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
He also represented Nigeria at two editions of the World Cup.
He also tended the goal in the country’s several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
