By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By PeterOnyekachukwu
Nigeria’s football community is in deep mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai. The legendary shot-stopper passed away on Thursday at the age of 61 after battling an undisclosed illness.
Known fondly as “Dodomayana” by fans, Rufai was not just a pillar between the goalposts but a national symbol of resilience and pride during the golden era of Nigerian football. He featured prominently in Nigeria’s historic 1994 AFCON triumph and also represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The Super Eagles paid tribute to the late icon in a post on their official X handle: “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 well, Peter Rufai.”
Beyond football, Rufai inspired a generation of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in sports despite limited opportunities. His journey from Lagos to becoming Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at two World Cups remains one of the most compelling stories in the nation’s football history.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief among former teammates, fans, and football administrators. Many have described him as a patriot who gave his best whenever he wore the green-white-green.
As Nigerians await more details surrounding his passing, Rufai’s memory endures — not only in his penalty-saving heroics or commanding presence in goal — but in the hearts of a nation he proudly served.