Did you know that Peter Rufai is the son of a traditional ruler and an heir apparent to the throne, but turned down the status for himself after his father's death, and that he represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many AFCON tournaments?

Nigerian professional footballer, Peter Rufai, born on 24 August 1963, passed away on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at the age of 61 after a long illness. His death was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday on its official X (formerly Twitter) platform.

Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 as their first-choice goalkeeper and also helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia. A year earlier, on 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifying match against Ethiopia, Rufai scored a penalty in a 6–0 home win.

Peter Rufai was born in Lagos State, where he started his career playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions as a goalkeeper. He later moved to the West African country Benin in 1986, with AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé.

At a more professional level, Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly. In the 1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours 'Go Ahead Eagles', which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.

In 1994, Rufai started a Portuguese adventure with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever. His solid performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, but he struggled to start for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation.

However, Rufai signed with established Deportivo de La Coruña the ensuing summer, backing up another African, Jacques Songo'o, for two seasons – this included keeping a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win against CD Tenerife (1–0) as the Cameroonian was suspended. He then returned to Portugal for one final year, with modest Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice. Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper's school. In all, he competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted 20 years.

Rufai was the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu. In early 1998, as his father died, he was allowed by his club (Deportivo) to return to Nigeria to discuss the succession, but turned down the status for himself.

Rufai's oldest son, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria Premier League.

On his death, the NFF, in their tributes as posted on its X platform wrote, "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. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai."

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condole with the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts on the demise of the inimitable goalkeeper fondly called ‘Dodo Mayana’ by his numerous fans and football lovers all over Nigeria.

Sports lovers including fans and colleagues alike have continued to share fond memories of Rufai’s decisive saves, his contributions to the growth of football and Nigeria’s golden era in the round leather game. His legacy as a goalkeeper and as a role model off the pitch remains indelible in the hearts of many. May his soul rest in peace.

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