Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai passed away at the age of 61 on July 3, 2025, after losing his battle with a prolonged illness that had reportedly plagued him since 2012.

He manned the goal for the Super Eagles from 1983 to 1998, during which time he won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and featured at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998.

According to the NFF, he began his career at Stationery Stores in Lagos and had stints in Europe, including Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Dodo Mayana, as he was fondly known, retired in 2000 and settled in Spain, setting up a goalkeeper’s academy, before returning to Nigeria, per AP News.

Condolences have poured in for the legendary goalkeeper from the Nigerian football community, many of whom remembered him for his skills in goal and cheerfulness.

As seen in a video trending on TikTok by BBC News Yoruba, the situation at the former player’s house was calm after his death, with people filling the condolence book.

His neighbours testified that he was a responsible man who participated in the development of the community and was humble despite his status as a former global player.

@naijahappeningng The situation in Peter Rufai's house following his Thursday exchange is as follows. #fypageシ #fypシ゚ #fypp #videoviral #virał #fyp #nigeriadiaspora #vir ♬ original sound - Naijahappeningng