PETER RUFAI: 9 UNTOLD TRUTHS ABOUT THE LEGENDARY SUPER EAGLES GOALKEEPER WHO DIED AT 61 
From Royal Roots to Football Greatness – How Well Did You Know "Dodo Mayana"?
️ A National Icon Bows Out
The world of African football mourns the passing of Peter Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles shot-stopper, who died on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a long illness. His death was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation, sending shockwaves across the globe.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”, Rufai wasn’t just a goalkeeper—he was a symbol of Nigerian pride, a royal son who chose passion over power, and a hero of Nigeria’s golden football era. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the elite stadiums of Europe, Peter Rufai's story is the stuff of legend. ️
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai was the son of a traditional ruler in Idimu.
After his father's passing in 1998, he was entitled to ascend the throne, but instead chose to continue his football journey — a decision that stunned many and inspired even more.
Rufai spent two decades in professional football, gracing pitches across:
Belgium – Lokeren, Beveren
Netherlands – Go Ahead Eagles
Portugal – Farense, Gil Vicente
Spain – Hércules CF, Deportivo La Coruña
He was one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to earn regular starts in top-flight European leagues!
Rufai proudly guarded the posts for Nigeria at the:
1994 FIFA World Cup (USA)
1998 FIFA World Cup (France)
His leadership and composure were pivotal in making Nigeria a global football force in the ‘90s.
Rufai was instrumental in Nigeria’s historic AFCON victory on foreign soil in Tunisia in 1994.
His game-saving stops and unshakable focus made him a national legend.
Rufai made headlines when he converted a penalty during a 6–0 win over Ethiopia in a 1993 AFCON qualifier.
Location: Surulere Stadium, Lagos
Date: July 24, 1993
That goal remains a rare gem in goalkeeper history.
From 1983 to 1998, Rufai earned 65 caps, making him the second most-capped Nigerian goalkeeper ever—only behind Vincent Enyeama.
Rufai’s football DNA continues in his son, Senbaty Rufai, who played as a midfielder and even trialed with Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigerian Premier League.
The nickname “Dodo Mayana” reflected Rufai’s massive presence in goal, his fearless diving, and rock-solid confidence.
Fans revered him like a fortress in gloves — always calm, always ready.
Peter Rufai wasn’t just stopping goals — he was inspiring generations.
From grassroots sports development to youth mentorship, he stayed committed to the game even after retirement.
The Final Whistle:
Stay tuned with Feed Earn as we celebrate African legends, untold football stories, and global icons who made the world game unforgettable.
#PeterRufai #DodoMayana #SuperEagles #AFCONHero #NigerianLegends #WorldCupWarrior #AfricanGoalkeeper #FootballRoyalty #LegacyLivesOn #GoalkeeperGoals #BlackExcellenceInSports #USSoccerFans #FeedEarnTributes #LaLigaHistory #ChampionsLeagueVeteran
From Royal Roots to Football Greatness – How Well Did You Know "Dodo Mayana"?
️ A National Icon Bows Out
The world of African football mourns the passing of Peter Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles shot-stopper, who died on July 3, 2025, at the age of 61 after a long illness. His death was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation, sending shockwaves across the globe.
Nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”, Rufai wasn’t just a goalkeeper—he was a symbol of Nigerian pride, a royal son who chose passion over power, and a hero of Nigeria’s golden football era. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the elite stadiums of Europe, Peter Rufai's story is the stuff of legend. ️
9 UNTOLD FACTS ABOUT PETER RUFAI THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Prince of Idimu Who Chose Football Over the Throne 
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai was the son of a traditional ruler in Idimu.
After his father's passing in 1998, he was entitled to ascend the throne, but instead chose to continue his football journey — a decision that stunned many and inspired even more.
A 20-Year Career Across Europe
Rufai spent two decades in professional football, gracing pitches across:
Belgium – Lokeren, Beveren
Netherlands – Go Ahead Eagles
Portugal – Farense, Gil Vicente
Spain – Hércules CF, Deportivo La Coruña
He was one of the first Nigerian goalkeepers to earn regular starts in top-flight European leagues!
World Cup Warrior x2
Rufai proudly guarded the posts for Nigeria at the:
1994 FIFA World Cup (USA)
1998 FIFA World Cup (France)
His leadership and composure were pivotal in making Nigeria a global football force in the ‘90s.
Key to Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON Triumph
Rufai was instrumental in Nigeria’s historic AFCON victory on foreign soil in Tunisia in 1994.
His game-saving stops and unshakable focus made him a national legend.
He Scored a Goal! Yes, Really
Rufai made headlines when he converted a penalty during a 6–0 win over Ethiopia in a 1993 AFCON qualifier.
Location: Surulere Stadium, Lagos
Date: July 24, 1993
That goal remains a rare gem in goalkeeper history.
65 Caps Strong — A Super Eagles Mainstay
From 1983 to 1998, Rufai earned 65 caps, making him the second most-capped Nigerian goalkeeper ever—only behind Vincent Enyeama.
His Legacy Lives Through His Son
Rufai’s football DNA continues in his son, Senbaty Rufai, who played as a midfielder and even trialed with Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigerian Premier League.
The Meaning Behind "Dodo Mayana"
The nickname “Dodo Mayana” reflected Rufai’s massive presence in goal, his fearless diving, and rock-solid confidence.
Fans revered him like a fortress in gloves — always calm, always ready.
A Legend Who Played with Heart 
Peter Rufai wasn’t just stopping goals — he was inspiring generations.
From grassroots sports development to youth mentorship, he stayed committed to the game even after retirement.
The Final Whistle:
Stay tuned with Feed Earn as we celebrate African legends, untold football stories, and global icons who made the world game unforgettable.
U.S.-Relevant Hashtags:
#PeterRufai #DodoMayana #SuperEagles #AFCONHero #NigerianLegends #WorldCupWarrior #AfricanGoalkeeper #FootballRoyalty #LegacyLivesOn #GoalkeeperGoals #BlackExcellenceInSports #USSoccerFans #FeedEarnTributes #LaLigaHistory #ChampionsLeagueVeteran