Nigeria and the wider football community have been plunged into mourning following the death of the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. Known affectionately as “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness, as reported by Soccernet.ng. His passing marks the end of an era for a figure synonymous with the golden age of Nigerian football in the 1990s, where his heroic performances between the sticks became etched in the nation's sporting history.

Born in Lagos, Rufai's illustrious career began with local clubs Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions. His talent soon took him beyond Nigerian borders, first to the Benin Republic in 1986, where he joined AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé. His exploits there paved the way for a move to Europe, where he spent six years in Belgium with Lokeren and Beveren. He then moved to the Netherlands, playing 12 matches for Go Ahead Eagles in the 1993–94 Eredivisie season. A significant chapter of his club career unfolded in Portugal with SC Farense, which he joined in 1994. His memorable first season saw him help the club qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in its history, conceding only 38 goals in 34 matches.

Rufai's exceptional form attracted the attention of Spanish clubs, leading to stints with Hércules CF and later Deportivo de La Coruña, where he notably kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Tenerife in January 1998 while serving as backup to Cameroonian goalkeeper Jacques Songo’o. He concluded his club career with one final season in Portugal with Gil Vicente before retiring. In 2003, Rufai returned to Spain, dedicating his post-playing career to nurturing young talent by establishing a goalkeeping school, a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.

On the international stage, Peter Rufai was an undisputed giant. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria and was the first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, anchoring Nigeria's defense on football's grandest stage. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Tunisia, a victory that cemented his legendary status. A unique highlight of his international career occurred on July 24, 1993, when he scored from the penalty spot in a commanding 6–0 thrashing of Ethiopia in a CAN qualifier, showcasing his versatility.

The news of Rufai's death has prompted a wave of grief and tributes across the Nigerian football community and beyond. Among those mourning is former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sunday Oliseh, a former teammate and roommate during Nigeria’s golden era. Oliseh penned an emotional tribute on social media, describing Rufai as a “gigantic legend, my teammate, roommate and a friend.” Oliseh's heartfelt message, “’Dodomayana,’ thanks for all the jokes, safes and advice. God bless. We miss you already. R.I.P bro,” encapsulates the deep personal and professional bond shared within that iconic Super Eagles squad. Peter Rufai's legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in Nigerian football history and a national hero lives on.