In a statement shared on Thursday via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Super Eagles described Rufai—fondly known to fans as “Dodo Mayana”—as a towering figure in Nigerian football whose impact would never be forgotten.
“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,” the team wrote.
The tribute went beyond acknowledging his on-field success, praising Rufai for his enduring legacy and the inspiration he offered to generations of Nigerian players and fans alike.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” the statement concluded.
Rufai’s career was marked by standout achievements that cemented his place in Nigerian sporting history. He was the first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, ending a 14-year title drought. That same year, he helped the Super Eagles qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, where the team famously reached the Round of 16 in the United States.
Known for his commanding presence in goal and calm leadership, Rufai also had an extensive club career spanning Nigeria, Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, former teammates, and football authorities who remember him as one of the greatest goalkeepers the nation has ever produced—a true icon whose influence will continue to shape Nigerian football for years to come.