BREAKING: Black Thursday For Football As Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies [PHOTO]
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that football world has been thrown into mourning following the passing of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana. The iconic shot-stopper died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a prolonged battle with illness. He was aged 61.
Rufai’s death comes as a double tragedy for football lovers, as it occurred just hours after the reported death of Liverpool forward Diego Jota, who passed away in a car accident barely ten days after his wedding.
Fans and pundits alike have described today as a “Black Thursday” in the football world.
Born on August 24, 1963, Peter Rufai was a towering figure in Nigerian football during the 1990s. He earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team, playing a pivotal role in some of the country’s most celebrated football moments.
Rufai featured in two FIFA World Cup tournaments (USA 1994 and France 1998) and was an integral part of the legendary squad that clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1994 in Tunisia—Nigeria’s second continental triumph.
Over the years, he became widely respected not only for his on-field performances but also for his leadership, charisma, and professionalism.
Known for his calm demeanor between the sticks and his acrobatic saves, Rufai served as an inspiration to generations of Nigerian goalkeepers.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is yet to release an official statement, but tributes have already begun pouring in from fans, footballers, and sports stakeholders across the globe. Social media has been flooded with heartfelt messages, honouring the legacy of the man fondly remembered as Dodo Mayana.
As Nigeria and the global football community come to terms with this loss, many have expressed their condolences to the Rufai family, urging authorities to immortalise the national icon who gave so much to the beautiful game.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
