Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai, a 1994 AFCON winner with the Super Eagles, has passed away at the age of 61, the Nigeria national team has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/wZjKgs73EA
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The Super Eagles have paid tribute to former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion Peter Rufai, who died at the age of 61. In a statement released Thursday on X, the national team honored Rufai—widely known as “Dodo Mayana”—as a towering figure in the history of Nigerian football.
“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 team stated.
The tribute highlighted Rufai’s on-field excellence and off-field influence, saying, “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”
Rufai played a vital role in Nigeria’s football golden era. He was instrumental in the team’s victory at the 1994 AFCON and helped Nigeria qualify for its first-ever FIFA World Cup the same year.
Further details surrounding his death have not yet been disclosed.