Few names in African football shine as brightly as Peter Rufai. Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, Rufai would grow from a local boy juggling handmade balls on dusty streets to an icon who stood tall in the world of football.
They called him “Dodo Mayana,” a name that reflected his royal roots in Benin. But Rufai was more than just a goalkeeper — he was a symbol of how Nigerian football rose in the 1990s.
Rufai’s most notable moments were playing for the Super Eagles, where he wore Nigeria’s colors more than 60 times. Fans still remember how he led the team and made crucial saves at the 1994 African Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria win the trophy in Tunisia.
That same year, he led Nigeria’s defense in their first-ever World Cup, taking them to the Round of 16 in the USA. Four years later, he participated again at the 1998 World Cup in France, establishing himself as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.
He maintained composure even in challenging moments, moved with remarkable speed, and provided clear instructions. With Rufai in goal, Nigerians felt a sense of security.
Blazing trails in Europe
Before it was common to see Nigerian players in Europe, Rufai was already making his mark. He played for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and notably in Spain, where he was the goalkeeper for Deportivo La Coruña in the competitive La Liga league.
Playing against prominent teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, Rufai proved his capabilities. He demonstrated that Nigerian players could not only compete in Europe’s best leagues but could also perform at a high level.
Away from football, Rufai remained connected to his roots. In a traditional ceremony, he was crowned a prince of Idimu, acknowledging his royal background.
After his retirement, he dedicated his time to helping young players by establishing the Staruf Football Academy, aiming to develop Nigeria’s future football stars.
On July 3, 2025, Nigeria and the footballing world mourned as news spread of Rufai’s passing at age 61 due to a long-term illness.
Tributes were received from teammates, fans, and global football bodies like FIFA, all celebrating a life dedicated to the sport.
