Nigerian football was thrown into mourning again on Thursday following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 AFCON winner Peter Rufai, who passed on at the age of 61.
Rufai was said to have died in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday following a brief illness.
Former Nigerian midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of Rufai had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.
The NFF described him as “a giant of Nigerian football” and one of the country’s most iconic players.
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana,” the NFF wrote on X.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well.”
Ex-Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami told our correspondent he was aware the goalkeeper had been battling illness but is presently shocked about his death.
“I know he’s been ill and that he was in the hospital for a while,” he said.
“Now, I am at a loss and need to find out what has happened now.”
Former Eagles No.10, Etim Esin who was his teammate in the 90s, was deeply devastated by the news.
“Oh oh God! Dodo Manyana is dead. This is a great loss. We played together; I can’t imagine he’s gone, this is so sad.
“My condolence to his family and may his soul rest in peace.”
Another former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba also expressed sadness at the death of Rufai.
“It’s really sad because he was someone I looked up to as a goalkeeper. It is a great honour to have been called an ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper alongside someone like that. May God bless his soul,” Aiyenugba told our correspondent.
Super Eagles skipper and Kano Pillars forward, Ahmed Musa also paid tribute to the goalkeeper.
“I can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.
“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODO MAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.”
Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars also sent condolences to the ex-Eagles goalkeeper’s family.
“Everyone at Remo Stars is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Nigerian goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai.
Former Nigeria Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also said, “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as 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.”
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai made his debut for the 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 goalkeeper also kept 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. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time.
Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
He also played professionally for Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, as well as Go Ahead Eagles in The Netherlands before stints with Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain as well as Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
