The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.” The revered shot-stopper passed away at the age of 61.

In a statement signed by Dr Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Press, the NSC described Rufai as more than a national hero—he was a global ambassador for Nigerian football, whose fearless performances and charismatic presence left an indelible mark on the sport and millions of fans.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, paid an emotional tribute, saying: “This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero; he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”

Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also honoured the late goalkeeper, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian sports.
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian football. His commitment to the game, both on and off the pitch, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts,” Olopade stated.

Rufai was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, playing a crucial role in the team’s historic 1994 AFCON triumph in Tunisia and representing the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cups in the USA (1994) and France (1998), where Nigeria reached the Round of 16 on both occasions.

At club level, his career spanned top leagues in Europe, with stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He notably played for Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF, earning acclaim for his commanding presence and reflexes.

Following his retirement, Rufai remained dedicated to the development of Nigerian football. He founded youth goalkeeping academies and mentored the next generation of talents, leaving a lasting legacy as a player, coach, and role model.

The NSC extended its heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire football community, stating that “Dodo Mayana’s legacy will forever live in the hearts of those he inspired.”

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Nigerian football community.

Rufai, a former goalkeeper for the iconic Lagos club, Stationery Stores, and a key figure in Nigeria’s international football history, was reported to have died on Thursday from an undisclosed ailment.

In a statement, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye paid tribute to the late football icon, recalling his immense contributions both on and off the pitch.

“Rufai was a true gentleman and a great ambassador of our league.

“He remained committed to the growth of domestic football and was always willing to lend his presence and voice to NPFL events, including workshops and fixture draws,” Elegbeleye said.

He praised Rufai for his inspirational role to younger players, especially those aspiring to follow in his footsteps from the domestic league to international stardom.

“To the younger generation of players, he was a big brother and mentor. He started from the home league like many of them and went on to play in Europe and at the highest level for Nigeria,” Elegbeleye noted.

“Even after retirement, he remained active in the football community, organizing goalkeeping boot camps to train and mentor upcoming talents.”

Elegbeleye extended the NPFL’s condolences to Rufai’s immediate family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the wider Nigerian sports family, stating that, “Nigeria has lost a legend.”

Peter Rufai’s illustrious career spanned over a decade and a half in the national team, beginning with his debut in a friendly match in December 1981. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments—helping the country to silver medals in 1984 and 1988 and playing a pivotal role in the historic 1994 triumph in Tunisia.

Renowned for his charisma, discipline, and flamboyant style, Rufai also represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike.

Until his death, Rufai remained committed to youth development in Nigerian football, using his post-playing years to discover and nurture emerging goalkeeping talents.

His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he impacted in Nigerian football.

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President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),  Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday in Lagos.

In a telephone conversation with Sports Village Square, Gusau joined millions of Nigerian football fans in mourning the iconic shot-stopper, who was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation and captained the national team in three of their four matches at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

“I saw him sometime ago and he was looking lean,” Gusau recalled. “When I asked him if all was well, he said he was okay.”

The NFF president described Rufai’s passing as “a huge loss to Nigerian football,” praising his contributions both on and off the pitch.

Rufai, affectionately known as Dodomayana, made over 60 appearances for Nigeria and was a central figure in the team’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Tunisia. His legacy, according to Gusau, “will forever be etched in the hearts of football lovers across the country and beyond.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

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