Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has died at the age of 61.
His death was confirmed on Thursday by Waidi Akanni, a former teammate and close associate. Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” reportedly battled a long-term illness before his passing.
The Super Eagles announced his death in a post on their official X account. “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the post read.
Rufai was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers. He was the first-choice shot-stopper when the Super Eagles won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States and the 1998 World Cup in France.
During his illustrious career, Rufai earned over 60 caps for the Super Eagles, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian football.
