OBITUARY
NPFL Mourns Peter Rufai, Hails Late Goalkeeper as a True Legend of Nigerian Football
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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The Nigerian football community was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday following confirmation that Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, has died.
The iconic shot-stopper, fondly known as Dodomayana, passed away in Lagos at about 6 a.m. after a brief illness.
The news, which initially spread quietly, was later confirmed by a senior Lagos State Government official and corroborated by former international Waidi Akanni, who disclosed that Rufai’s remains had been deposited in a Lagos hospital.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and deep sorrow at the passing of one of the country’s greatest footballers.
“This is really, really shocking,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, from Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.
We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigerian football family.”
A Storied Career
Peter Rufai made his international debut in December 1981 in a friendly match for the then Green Eagles, marking the beginning of a 17-year journey in the national team. He went on to become a stalwart in goal, representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup with distinction.
He was between the sticks when Nigeria won AFCON 1994 in Tunisia—Nigeria’s second continental title. Before then, he was also part of the squads that finished runners-up in 1984 and 1988. He featured as Nigeria’s No. 1 goalkeeper in all three tournaments.
Rufai was also the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98 World Cups, helping Nigeria reach the Round of 16 in both tournaments, and earning plaudits for his calm presence, agility, and leadership.
Club Career & Legacy
Domestically, Rufai made his mark with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, with whom he reached the final of the 1981 African Cup Winners’ Cup. He later moved abroad, enjoying professional stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight side Deportivo La Coruña.
After retiring from active football, Rufai dedicated his life to youth development and coaching, notably running the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and serving briefly as coordinator of Nigeria’s U-23 team.
A Life Remembered
Born into royalty—he was the son of a king—Rufai earned the nickname Dodomayana, a nod to both his noble heritage and charismatic presence. Off the pitch, he was known for his discipline, humour, and deep love for Nigerian football.
His sudden passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans, former teammates, and aspiring goalkeepers who saw him as a role model.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
Peter Rufai (1963–2025)
Rest in peace, legend.
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According to Radio Nigeria, Nigerian goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai, is dead. While the family is yet to issue an official statement, the news of his death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, as tributes begin to pour in for the iconic goalkeeper who stood tall between the posts for the Super Eagles.
Rufai was a central figure in Nigeria’s golden football era. He 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. Renowned for his leadership, reflexes, and charisma, 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.
More details on funeral arrangements are expected from the family in due course.
May his soul rest in peace.
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