Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, popularly called Dodo Mayana has been reported dead at 61
Penpushing reports that Nigeria Football Federation(NFA) confirmed the demise of the former goalkeeper in a post on Thursday through its official X handle, but cause of death was yet to be disclosed as at time of this report
“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. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest in peace.Peter Rufai”, the statement reads
Penpushing further reports that the deceased made 65 appearances for the national team and was part of the golden generation that lifted Nigeria’s second African Cup of Nations(AFCON) title in Tunisia and equally represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 Federation International Football Association(FIFA) world cup tournaments
The late renowned footballer was born August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos State, whose father was traditional ruler of Idimu, and despite being from a royal lineage and had the chance to assume his father’s throne after his passing in 1998, he chose to remain committed to football, a sport that brought him fame and national pride
Penpushing also reports that Rufai’s professional journey began with Nigeria’s Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions before moving abroad to play for clubs in Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
The record has it that his European club career included stints with KSC Lokeren, KSK Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, SC Farense, Hércules CF, Deportivo La Coruña, and Gil Vicente, while he retired in 2000 after a two-decade-long career.
Penpushing reports that in retirement, he founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, mentoring aspiring footballers and giving back to the sport that made him a legend, while he. is survived by his wife, Mikaila Rufai, and children, including son Senbaty, who briefly played for Sunshine Stars in the Nigerian topflight.
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