Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana.”
The Nigeria Football Federation said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by his passing, with NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi adding, “We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones.”
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa hailed Rufai as a hero, writing, “Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence brought us pride on the world stage.”
Mutiu Adepoju called his death “a dark day in football,” saying, “We have lost a colleague, a brother, and an African legend.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned Rufai, describing his loss as “a profound one to the global football community,” and added, “Peter Rufai’s remarkable contributions to the beautiful game will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed.”
Nigerian clubs like Rangers, Enyimba, and Kano Pillars joined in paying respects, recalling how his performances for the Super Eagles inspired generations across the country.
Rufai, who died at 61 in Lagos after a prolonged illness, earned 65 caps for Nigeria, featured in two World Cups, and was part of the team that lifted the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s greatest goalkeepers.
