Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, Rufai had been facing health challenges in recent months, according to his brother, who spoke to Flashscore.com. However, the legendary goalkeeper sadly passed away on July 3rd.
The Super Eagles’ official X (Twitter) account confirmed the news, paying tribute to one of the nation's most beloved footballing icons.
"Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai," the message read.
Rufai began his professional career in 1980 with Stationery Stores, later joining Femo Scorpions, before moving to the Benin Republic in 1986 to play for AS Dragons FC de l'Oueme.
His talent caught the attention of Belgian scouts, leading to a six-year stint in Belgium with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, though he featured only occasionally.
In the 1993/94 season, he moved to the Netherlands, making 12 appearances for Go Ahead Eagles as they finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
After his exploits at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, ‘Dodo Mayana’ embarked on a new chapter in Portugal with S.C. Farense. There, he played a pivotal role in his debut season, helping the Algarve-based club concede just 38 goals in 34 matches and securing their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Cup.
His standout performances earned him a move to LaLiga side Hercules, but he could not help the club escape relegation. Notwithstanding this setback, Rufai joined Deportivo de La Coruna the following summer.
Serving as backup to fellow African goalkeeper Jacques Songo’o, he spent two seasons with the Galician side. He wrapped up his European club career with a final season in Portugal at Gil Vicente FC.
It was with the Nigerian national team that Rufai truly etched his name into football history.
He earned over 65 caps for the Super Eagles, serving as the first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 (USA) and 1998 (France) FIFA World Cups and played a key role in the country’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Tunisia.
Remarkably, Rufai also scored one international goal, converting a penalty in a 6–0 win over Ethiopia during an AFCON qualifier on July 24th, 1993.
After retiring from professional football, Rufai founded Staruf Football Club and dedicated himself to nurturing young talent at the grassroots level, helping to develop the next generation of football stars.
