Former Nigerian goalkeeper and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Peter Rufai passed away at the age of 61 in Lagos on July 3, 2025. Known as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai was a celebrated figure in African football, having represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups and played for several European clubs.

Key Points:

• Peter Rufai died in Lagos after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation and family sources.
• He earned 65 international caps and played key roles in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and the 1994 & 1998 FIFA World Cups.
• Rufai’s club career spanned Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain, with notable stints at Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules.
• A royal from Idimu, Lagos, he declined his princely succession to pursue football and later ran goalkeeping academies post-retirement.
• Tributes poured in from Nigerian leaders, ex-teammates, and international football officials, highlighting his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers.