Nigerian football legend and iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, fondly known as 'Dodo Mayana', passed away on Thursday, July 3, at the age of 61. The news of his demise, following a prolonged illness including chest discomfort and cardiac arrest, sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from various quarters.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed profound shock, with General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stating they were unaware of his illness. President Bola Tinubu extended his deep sadness and condolences to the Rufai family, friends, and football enthusiasts, remembering Rufai as a patriotic sportsman who etched his name in gold in Nigerian and African sporting annals. Similarly, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), conveyed his deep condolences, highlighting Rufai's role as part of a special generation that made Nigeria and Africa proud. Super Falcons player Asisat Oshoala paid a touching tribute by donning a black armband during a WAFCON match, while Terkaa Melai, Lobi Stars goalkeeper, acknowledged Rufai's inspiration to many young goalkeepers but also voiced disappointment over the abandonment of retired athletes like Rufai.

Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai's journey to football stardom was unique and serendipitous. A prince of the Royal House in Idimu, Lagos, his first name 'Peter' was adopted during the Nigerian Civil War to conceal his Yoruba heritage while he was living in Port Harcourt with his mother. His goalkeeping career began unexpectedly during an inter-school match when he, a midfielder, stepped into goal after the frustrated goalkeeper quit. Despite a demoralizing U13 experience where he conceded nine goals, he was mentored by a coach named 'Tiger', who refined his raw talent. Rufai also trained as an electrician.

At just 17, Rufai made a bold move, traveling to Lagos without his mother's knowledge immediately after his final school exam to try out for Stationery Stores FC. Despite wearing his Christmas shoes instead of football boots, his talent shone through, earning him a spot. A year later, in 1980, he was their goalkeeper in the FA Cup final. In 1981, at 18, he played a pivotal role as Stationery Stores reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners' Cup, saving a penalty in the first leg.

Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in December 1981. He made history in 1985 by becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally abroad, signing with Dragon FC of the Republic of Benin. His European club career included stints with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, S.C. Farense in Portugal, and Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria throughout his illustrious career.

As the steady hands behind Nigeria's 'golden generation' of football, Rufai was instrumental in the Super Eagles' triumphs. He was the first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994, a victory he clinched with crucial saves and a calm presence. He had also earned silver medals in the 1984 and 1988 AFCON tournaments. Rufai captained Nigeria in their historic debut at the FIFA World Cup in 1994 in the USA, where the team reached the Round of 16. He again served as the team's goalkeeper at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, leading them to the Round of 16 once more before retiring from the national team.

His career was marked by several memorable moments. In a unique feat for a goalkeeper, he scored a penalty in a 6-0 AFCON qualifier victory against Ethiopia on July 24, 1993. His composure was vital in the 1994 AFCON final against Zambia, where Nigeria won 2-1. In the 1994 World Cup, he secured clean sheets in historic 3-0 and 2-0 victories over Bulgaria and Greece, respectively. Despite a 2-1 loss to Italy in the 1994 World Cup Round of 16, his performance earned widespread acclaim. He was also the wall behind Nigeria's memorable 3-2 victory over Spain in the 1998 World Cup opener.

After retiring from active football, Rufai continued to contribute to the sport. He dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players, establishing the Staruf Football Academy. He also served as the coordinator of Nigeria's U23 national team at one point and worked as a sports administrator in Belgium and the Netherlands. He later settled in Spain, opening a goalkeeper's school before returning to Nigeria to continue his youth development programs. Interestingly, in 1998, he turned down the ancestral throne in Idimu to continue his football career. Peter Rufai is survived by his wife and children, with his oldest son, Senbaty, having played for Sunshine Stars in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).