The management and entire Stationery Stores Football Club (SSFC) family have paid an emotional tribute to their legendary former goalkeeper, Prince Peter Rufai, who passed away on Thursday. The revered shot-stopper, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” died at the age of 60.

In a statement issued on behalf of the board, management, past and present players, and teeming supporters, SSFC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of its greatest icons and extended heartfelt condolences to the Rufai Royal Family of Idimu, as well as to the late goalkeeper’s children—Okikiolu, Tunde, Confidence, Biodun, Bright and David.

“We pray that the Almighty God will give them all the strength and fortitude to bear this loss and see them through this difficult period. May the good Lord rest Peter’s soul in perfect peace,” the club stated.

Rufai, a Prince of the Idimu Kingdom in Lagos, is regarded as the most accomplished goalkeeper in the history of Stationery Stores and one of the greatest to ever man the posts for Nigeria’s national team. A national hero and cult figure among SSFC fans, his exploits between the sticks remain etched in Nigerian football folklore.

Dubbed a “GOAT, a legend and a superhero” by the club, Rufai was one of only six SSFC players to captain the Super Eagles and did so at both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria, winning bronze, silver, and gold medals at the AFCON, and captained the 1994 gold-winning team in Tunisia. He also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 (USA) and 1998 (France).

At club level, Rufai had an illustrious career across Europe, playing in top-flight leagues in Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Belgium, including appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Beyond his football achievements, Rufai was praised for his humility, intelligence, and commitment to personal growth. He held an MBA and a UEFA coaching license, which he used to run a football academy and engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

His journey to SSFC, the club recalled, was a legendary one in itself. Originally playing for Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Rufai was lured back to Lagos by passionate Stores supporters who funded his relocation and stay until he was recruited by the club’s management.

He soon became the club’s undisputed No. 1, playing from 1979 to 1984. His standout moment came in 1982 when he helped Stores end a 14-year wait to win the prestigious Challenge Cup, conceding only one goal in the entire tournament.

His performances that year earned him a call-up to the national team, setting the stage for an extraordinary international career. The 1980s revival of SSFC was symbolized by Rufai’s brilliance in goal, reminiscent of the club’s dominance in the 1960s under the late Israel Adebajo, father of the club’s present custodian.

Rufai’s legacy, the statement noted, continued well beyond his playing days. He remained actively involved with the club, mentoring players, supporting the coaching staff, and serving as a brand ambassador. His last engagement with SSFC was a courtesy visit to MTN executives in support of the club’s sponsorship proposals.

“Peter was more than a player—he was family, a confidant, and a reliable associate,” the tribute read. “Growing up, I had the privilege of calling him a close friend, and his death is a personal loss.”

The tribute concluded with a powerful symbol of rebirth and resilience: “The Flaming Flamingo is an immortal and mystical bird that cyclically regenerates and obtains new life from the ashes of its predecessors. The next cycle is imminent.”

Peter Rufai’s passing leaves a void in Nigerian football, but his legacy as “Dodo Mayana” lives on—in the memories of fans, the history of SSFC, and the annals of African football.

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The family of the late Nigerian legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has issued an official statement concerning the passing on of the former footballer. The statement, signed by 11 members of the family, reads:

“With total submission to the will of Almighty God, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition to glory of our father and brother, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, PRINCE PETER “DODO MANYANA” RUFAI.

“He died at Six O’clock in the morning on Thursday, 3rd of July, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 61 years old.

“Despite our shock and sadness at his rather sudden demise, we are indeed extremely grateful to God Almighty for the impactful life that he granted Prince Peter Rufai through a very successful football career that made him to become world famous.

“From a humble beginning with Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt in the late 1970s, he rose steadily through the ranks in the national team to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98.

“He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at Tunisia ‘94. Altogether, he won 66 caps with the national team and scored one goal.

“Prince Peter Rufai also enjoyed a successful club career that took him from home in Nigeria to Benin Republic, Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

“He finally returned home to Nigeria after his retirement to set up Staruf Sports Development Limited, through which he got involved in grassroots sports and youth development. That was his full-time engagement until he was called home by his Lord.

“The Rufai Family would like to thank all Nigerians at home and abroad who have been reaching out to us with condolence messages either directly or through the media since the news broke of Prince Peter Rufai’s death.

“We thank everyone for your love and expression of sympathy. A formal announcement of the burial arrangements will be made in due course.”

The family statement was signed by the following: Yomi Bruce Rufai (Younger Brother), Gladys Apata (Elder Sister), Pastor Mrs. Bosede Rufai Lawson Jack (Younger Sister), Dele Rufai Emizibo (Younger Sister), Don Okikiola I. Rufai (Son), Tunde Rufai (Son), Confidence Rufai (Daughter), Biodun Rufai (Son), Bright Rufai (Son) and David Rufai (Son).

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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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