The Nigerian football community is deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Rufai, a 61-year-old Nigerian icon and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, who died on Thursday.
Affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana” due to his remarkable agility and fearless saves, Rufai’s influence extended far beyond his prowess on the field, marked by an impactful life filled with unique turns and a strong dedication to the future of Nigerian football.
Here are ten key facts about the legendary goalkeeper:
- Royal Background: Born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, Rufai came from a royal family, with his father being a tribal king in Idimu, Lagos State. Despite being in line for the throne, he famously chose to pursue his passion for football instead.
- Extensive Club Career: His professional journey began in Nigeria with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions before he moved internationally. He played for various clubs across Benin (Dragons de l’Ouémé), Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña), gaining significant global experience.
- UEFA Cup Qualification: During the 1994–95 season, Rufai was pivotal in helping Portuguese club SC Farense achieve their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Cup, demonstrating an impressive record by conceding only 38 goals in 34 matches that season.
- National Team Stalwart: Rufai earned 65 international caps for Nigeria and was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Super Eagles at both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.4 He was also a crucial member of the squad that won Nigeria’s second Africa Cup of Nations title in Tunisia in 1994.
- Unique Goal-Scoring Feat: In a rare achievement for a goalkeeper, Rufai scored a penalty for Nigeria in a dominant 6–0 victory over Ethiopia during the 1993 AFCON qualifiers, marking his only international goal and a memorable career moment.
- “Dodo Mayana” Nickname: His quick reflexes and acrobatic saves earned him the popular nickname “Dodo Mayana,” which became synonymous with his commanding presence in goal and remains a part of his enduring legacy.
- Post-Retirement Education: After retiring from professional football, Rufai returned to academics in 2023, enrolling at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos to acquire formal coaching qualifications, reflecting his desire to contribute to the sport through training and mentoring.
- Commitment to Youth Development: He established the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, demonstrating his dedication to youth development. Rufai was a vocal advocate for balancing academics and sports, encouraging Nigerian parents to support their children’s football aspirations alongside their education.
- Values for Longevity: Rufai attributed his remarkable 20-year professional career to unwavering discipline, intense focus, and a continuous drive to give more than 100%, crediting these values for his success across multiple countries and under high pressure.
- 1998 World Cup Heartbreak: Despite his illustrious career, the 4–1 loss to Denmark in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16 was a significant low point for Rufai. He described it as the most painful match of his career, attributing the defeat to a collective team failure rather than individual errors.
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