Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Rufai passed away after a prolonged battle with illness. He was 61.
Fondly known as “Dodomayana,” Rufai was widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced. His illustrious playing career spanned over two decades and saw him feature for top clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
A pillar of Nigerian football in the 1990s, Rufai represented the country at two FIFA World Cup tournaments — USA 1994 and France 1998 — and played in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, including the victorious 1994 edition in Tunisia.
His passing comes on a tragic day for global football, which is also mourning the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, who were both killed in a car accident in Spain earlier on Thursday.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the football world as fans, former teammates, and sporting authorities remember Rufai’s legacy and immense contributions to the beautiful game.
May his soul rest in peace.
