- ‘Dodo Mayana’ dies @ 61
Nigeria’s football family was thrown into mourning on Thursday evening following confirmation that the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai had died in Lagos following a period of illness.
The official X account of the Super Eagles announced the unexpected passage of the legendary keeper popularly known as ‘Dodo Mayana’ on Thursday. However, the statement did not mention cause of death
According to the national team’s statement, the legacy of Rufai, who was 61 years old, lives on between the sticks and beyond.
The statement read; “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”.
Reacting to the sad news, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja, “This is really, really shocking. 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 Nigeria football family.”
Close family sources hinted that the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6 am on Thursday.
Confirmation also came former Nigeria international midfielder, Waidi Akanni who said that the “body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.”
His Death A Profound Loss – Atiku
Mourning Rufai’s passing, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said, “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly called Dodo Mayana.
“His death is a profound loss to the global football community. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and the Nigerian football community.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace. Peter Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed.”
Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players.
At a time, Rufai also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team. Aside from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, he was an extraordinary figure at Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
Born on the 24th August 1963, the legendary goal tender’s senior career lasted over 20 years as he competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
