Nigeria is united in profound grief following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” who passed away at the age of 61 in the early hours of Thursday in Lagos after a prolonged illness. His passing has triggered a widespread outpouring of heartfelt tributes from across Nigeria and the global football community, mourning the loss of a football icon with a rich legacy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Rufai’s death as a “profound loss to the global football community,” extending condolences to his family and the Nigerian football community. Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa paid an emotional tribute, highlighting Rufai’s “heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts” that brought moments of national pride. John Dosu, brother to former goalkeeper Joseph Dosu, shared how Rufai provided him with his first coaching opportunity, expressing gratitude to the legend. President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also expressed deep sadness, remembering Rufai as a patriotic sportsman who made indelible contributions to Nigerian and African football history. Tinubu recalled Rufai's heroic contributions to the 1994 AFCON victory and Nigeria's first FIFA World Cup appearance in USA '94. Governor Sanwo-Olu described his death as a painful loss to the country and Lagos State.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and deep sadness, with General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stating the federation was unaware of Rufai’s illness. NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that Rufai's body had been deposited at a Lagos hospital. NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye praised Rufai as a gentleman and an inspiration to younger players, noting his continuous support for the league and his post-retirement work. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also mourned Rufai, calling his career “extremely legendary” and highlighting his critical role in the 1994 AFCON victory and World Cup appearances. Numerous football clubs, including Remo Stars, Rangers International, Enyimba, Sporting Lagos, and Kano Pillars, also paid glowing tributes, acknowledging his inspiring legendary performances for the Super Eagles.

Peter Rufai’s illustrious career began with his international debut in December 1981. He was the first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations gold in Tunisia in 1994, and he also secured silver medals in the 1984 and 1988 AFCON finals. He represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 1994 and 1998, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 on both occasions. At club level, Rufai had successful spells playing professional football in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, but he was most adored for his exploits with Lagos club Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. After retiring from active football, Rufai dedicated his post-retirement years to youth development through his Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and also served as coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team.

Rufai’s death on July 3, 2025, tragically coincided with the reported death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, marking the day as one of deep loss for global football. He is also the latest former international from the celebrated 1994 AFCON-winning squad to pass away, joining Wilfred Agbonavbare, Tom Oliha, Uche Okafor, Rashidi Yekini, and Stephen Keshi.