The Nigerian football community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest icons, Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai, who passed away on Thursday at 61.
For many Nigerians, Rufai was more than just a goalkeeper, he was a symbol of resilience, excellence, and national pride.
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His journey from royal lineage to international football stardom is one of the most compelling stories in African sports history.
Royal Blood, Football Heart
Born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos, Rufai hailed from a royal family. His father was a tribal king in Idimu, Lagos State, making him a prince by birth.
In 1998, when his father passed away, Rufai had the opportunity to ascend the throne. But he made a different choice, one that underscored his unwavering dedication to football. He chose to continue serving Nigeria through the sport he loved.
Forging a Global Goalkeeping Career
Rufai’s club career began in Nigeria with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions, before he ventured abroad. He played in Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, gaining international recognition for his agility and commanding presence between the posts.
In Portugal, he had a particularly memorable stint with SC Farense, where his performances helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup in the 1994–95 season. Later, he played for Gil Vicente, and in Spain, he featured for Hércules CF and Deportivo La Coruña, a rare feat for Nigerian players in the 1990s.
Over a professional career spanning two decades, Rufai demonstrated remarkable consistency and adaptability across five European countries.
A Pillar of the Super Eagles’ Golden Era
Rufai’s international debut for Nigeria came in 1983, and over the next 15 years, he would earn 65 caps, becoming a cornerstone of the national team. He was part of the squads that won silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1984 and 1988, but his most defining moment came in 1994, when Nigeria won the tournament in Tunisia, securing its second-ever AFCON title.
Later that same year, Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper as the country made its debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He reprised this role four years later at France ’98, anchoring a squad that boasted talents like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Sunday Oliseh.
In a rare feat for a goalkeeper, Rufai even scored a penalty in a 6–0 rout of Ethiopia during the 1993 AFCON qualifiers, further cementing his cult status among fans.
Beyond the Posts: Mentorship and Legacy
Affectionately nicknamed “Dodo Mayana”, Rufai was celebrated not only for his athletic abilities but also for his cool-headed leadership and sportsmanship.
After hanging up his gloves in 2000, he dedicated his life to nurturing future talent. He founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos and also opened a goalkeeper training school in Spain. Through these platforms, Rufai gave back to the game that defined his life, inspiring hundreds of aspiring footballers.
He also trained formally at the National Institute for Sports in Nigeria, proving that his commitment to football extended far beyond personal accolades.
Hero Mourned, A Legend Remembered
Rufai passed away in Lagos after a prolonged illness, with tributes pouring in from across the country and the global football fraternity.
The Super Eagles described him as a “giant of Nigerian football,” while President Bola Tinubu praised his pivotal role in the 1994 AFCON and World Cup campaigns. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigerian internationals like Ahmed Musa, and former NFF officials all paid tribute to a man who embodied the best of Nigerian football.
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As the football world bids farewell to Dodo Mayana, his legacy lives on, not just in highlight reels or trophy cabinets, but in the hearts of Nigerians who watched him rise, leap, and soar for the nation.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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