Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61 after prolonged illness

DDM News

Nigeria’s football fraternity was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61.

Rufai, popularly known as “Dodomayana” during his illustrious career, reportedly died after a prolonged battle with illness.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the ex-Super Eagles shot-stopper breathed his last on July 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, national service, and professionalism that spanned more than two decades in both local and international football.

Rufai’s death comes as a double tragedy for the global football community, coinciding with the reported passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain earlier the same day alongside his brother.

Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai rose to national prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the most trusted names in Nigeria’s goalkeeping history.

He was known for his agility, sharp reflexes, commanding presence in the penalty area, and calm demeanor under pressure.

Rufai’s professional career saw him play in several European leagues.

He had stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and notably in Spain, where he guarded the posts for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF.

At the height of his career, Rufai earned the reputation of being one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.

He represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups, USA 1994 and France 1998 and featured in multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), playing a key role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia.

As Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper during the early to mid-1990s, Rufai was instrumental in several crucial victories that earned the country global respect in international football.

His contributions to the national team went beyond his goalkeeping. Rufai was seen as a unifying figure, a source of motivation for younger players, and a model of professionalism.

Following his retirement from active football, Rufai remained involved in the sport, contributing to youth football development in Nigeria through coaching and grassroots initiatives.

He also ran a football academy and was frequently invited as a sports analyst on television, where he continued to offer insights into the game and promote Nigerian talent.

Tributes have poured in from across the Nigerian sporting community and beyond. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a brief statement, expressed its condolences and described Rufai as a “true Nigerian legend whose gloves protected the dreams of a nation.”

Former teammates, football analysts, and fans have taken to social media to share their memories of the man many regard as the best goalkeeper Nigeria has ever produced.

Peter Rufai is survived by his wife and children.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

His death marks the end of an era, but his name will remain etched in the annals of Nigerian football history.

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