Farewell to Peter Rufai, Nigeria’s iconic goalkeeper

African soccer is in mourning for Peter Rufai, the iconic goalkeeper of the Nigerian national team, who died at the age of 61 at his home in Lagos. According to sources close to the family, Rufai suffered a heart attack while resting at home.

Rufai, known as “Dodo Mayana” was one of the most iconic figures in Nigerian soccer. He defended the Super Eagles’ goal for more than a decade, participating in two World Cups (United States 1994 and France 1998) and being instrumental in the historic conquest of the African Cup of Nations in 1994.

Rufai was a key player in the Nigerian football industry.

At the club level, Rufai enjoyed a long career in Europe, playing for teams in Belgium (Lokeren and Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense and Gil Vicente) and Spain, where he defended the goal of Deportivo La Coruña (1997-1999) and Hércules Alicante (1999). He hung up his gloves at the end of his experience with Gil Vicente in 2000.

The Nigerian Football Federation issued a statement to express its condolences on the passing of the famous goalkeeper:
“Peter Rufai was not only an extraordinary sportsman, but also a leader and a symbol of commitment to our country. His legacy will remain in the history of Nigerian soccer.”