Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Nigeria’s football community was thrown into mourning on Thursday following the news of the passing of the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, 61, in Lagos following a period of illness.

In his reaction, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Football (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed shock at the death of the goalkeeper fondly called Dodo Mayana.

 “This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family,” observed the NFF Scribe.

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the passing of Peter Rufai, as a great loss to Nigeria, especially football fans. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the death of the Nigerian football legend is painful. He sympathised with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, the Nigerian Football Federation and the Nigeria Sports Commission.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Peter Rufai, fondly called Dodomayana, was a legend who wore the Green-White-Green with passion and pride.  

“The death of Dodomayana, as Peter Rufai is fondly called, is a painful loss to our country, Lagos State and Nigeria. The country has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian goalkeepers in football history.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nigerians and Lagosians in particular, especially those with fond memories of Dodomayana of the famous Stationery Stores Football Club. Peter Rufai was a good ambassador of our dear State and Nigeria. His death is a great loss to us.

“I am saddened by his death and will be sorely missed. I pray to God for eternal peace for the late Peter Rufai. May God grant the family, friends and football fans the fortitude to bear the irreparable,” concludes Gov Sanyo-Olu.

According to reports, the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday.

Former Nigeria international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, confirmed the death of Dodo Manyana to THISDAY. He also confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.

NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, described Rufai’s demise as saddening, stressing  that he was a good Ambassador of the league and an inspiration to the younger players.

“Rufai was a gentleman who was always willing to support the league whenever he was invited to grace our events such as workshop and fixture draws.

“To the younger players, he was the big brother they all looked up to because like them, he played in the domestic league before seeking greener pastures in Europe.

“He returned home after retirement and has been helping our young ones learn the art of goalkeeping through his annual booth camps”, Elegbeleye recalled.

Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, in his reaction to the death of Peter Rufai, said on his X handle: “Can’t believe I’m typing this – a post to bid farewell to a true giant of Nigerian football, Peter Rufai. Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage.

“May your spirit continue to inspire future generations of Super Eagles. Though you’ve left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, DODOMAYANA — the nation mourns a hero.

“Condolences to your family, friends, teammates, and fans. Rest in peace, legend,” concludes the former Leicester City winger.

Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.

The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.

Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. 

He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.