Nigeria Mourns Super Eagles Legend Peter Rufai, 1994 AFCON Champion and World Cup Star, Dead at 61 After Illness

 

The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, have become a focal point of national grief in Nigeria following the death of their legendary former goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, on July 3, 2025. Rufai, aged 61, passed away in Lagos after battling a prolonged illness, as confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former teammate Waidi Akanni.

Known as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai had a distinguished 20-year career, playing professionally for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, including notable stints with Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria, starring as the first-choice goalkeeper in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 in both tournaments. His pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in Tunisia cemented his legacy as one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers.

Tributes have poured in from prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who praised Rufai’s “heroic contributions” to Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON and World Cup campaigns, and Peter Obi, who recalled his “unforgettable moments.” The NFF described him as a “giant of Nigerian football,” while current Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa expressed shock at the loss. Social media posts reflect widespread mourning, with fans celebrating Rufai’s humility and mentorship through his Staruf Football Academy.

See also: Diogo Jota 1996-2025: a footballing life in pictures