Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, has passed away at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
Born in Lagos, Rufai began his football journey in Nigeria with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions before moving to Benin Republic in 1986 to play for AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé.
His European career spanned several countries. Rufai spent six years in Belgium, featuring for K.S.C. Lokeren and K.S.K. Beveren, albeit with limited appearances. In the 1993–94 season, he joined Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles and made 12 league appearances as the club finished mid-table in the Eredivisie.
Rufai’s career gained momentum when he moved to Portugal in 1994 to join S.C. Farense. His performances were crucial as the team secured UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in its history. His form earned him a move to Spanish side Hércules CF, but he struggled for playing time and the team was eventually relegated.
He later signed for Deportivo de La Coruña, where he served as a backup to Cameroonian goalkeeper Jacques Songo'o. Notably, Rufai kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win over CD Tenerife in January 1998. He rounded off his playing days with a final season at Gil Vicente FC in Portugal.
Off the pitch, Rufai returned to Spain in 2003 where he settled and opened a goalkeeper training school.
Internationally, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria. He was the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. He also scored a memorable penalty in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia during a CAN qualifier in 1993.
Rufai was the son of a traditional ruler in Idimu, Lagos. Following his father’s death in 1998, he was permitted by Deportivo to return to Nigeria to discuss succession matters but declined the throne.
His son, Senbaty Rufai, once attempted a career in the Nigeria Premier League with Sunshine Stars.
Peter Rufai died on 3 July 2025, after battling illness. He leaves behind a legacy as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers.
May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.
0 Comments