In the golden era of Nigerian football, few names command as much reverence as Peter Rufai, affectionately known as Dodo Mayana. A prince by birth and a legend by choice, Rufai’s legacy is etched in the hearts of fans as the man who stood tall—literally and figuratively—between Nigeria and its footballing dreams.
From Royalty to the Goal Line
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai hailed from the royal family of Idimu. Despite being heir to a traditional throne, he chose football over royalty—a decision that stunned many but ultimately shaped the destiny of Nigerian goalkeeping.
He began his career with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions, before venturing abroad to play in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. His European journey included stints at Lokeren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, Hércules CF, and Deportivo La Coruña, where he earned respect for his agility, leadership, and composure under pressure.
Super Eagles’ Safe Hands
Rufai earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team and was the first-choice goalkeeper during two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Tunisia, a tournament that marked the country’s rise as a continental powerhouse.
In a rare feat for a goalkeeper, he even scored a goal—a penalty against Ethiopia in a 1993 AFCON qualifier.
Beyond the Gloves
After retiring in 2000, Rufai remained deeply involved in football. He founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, mentoring young talents and advocating for a balance between sports and education. In 2023, he returned to school to earn formal coaching credentials, proving that learning never stops—even for legends.
A Legacy That Lives On
Peter Rufai passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61, after a long illness. His death sent shockwaves through the football world, with tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and national leaders. President Tinubu described him as a man who “wrote his name in gold in the sporting annals of Nigeria”.
Rufai’s legacy is not just in the matches he played, but in the lives he touched—on and off the pitch. He remains a symbol of discipline, resilience, and patriotic excellence.
