Here’s a full picture of Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai — legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, prince, and national hero.
Early Life & Royal Heritage
- Born on 24 August 1963 in Oshodi, Lagos, into a royal family; his father was the king of Idimu
- In 1998, following his father’s death, he was offered the throne but declined to continue his football career
Club Career (1980 2000)
- Began at Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions in Nigeria
- Played abroad in:
- Benin: Dragons de l’Ouémé (1986–87)
- Belgium: Lokeren, Beveren (1987–1993)
- Netherlands: Go Ahead Eagles (1993–94)
- Portugal: Farense (1994–97), Gil Vicente (1999–2000)
- Notably helped Farense qualify for the UEFA Cup by conceding just 38 goals in 34 games
- Spain: Hércules (1997; 10 appearances), Deportivo La Coruña (1997–99; 9 apps)
International Career & Achievements
- Nigeria debut: December 1981 (then called Green Eagles)
- Caps: Earned 65 international appearances between 1983–1998
- Africa Cup of Nations: Silver medals in 1984 & 1988; champion in 1994, playing a key role in semi-final shootout heroics
- FIFA World Cups: First-choice goalkeeper for USA 1994 and France 1998, both reaching Round of 16
- Unique feat: Scored a penalty in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia during AFCON qualification (1993)
Style & Legacy
- Celebrated for being agile, composed, and flamboyant, earning the affectionate nickname “Dodo Mayana”
- First Nigerian goalkeeper to convert an international goal.
- After retirement, he operated a goalkeeping academy, Staruf Football Academy, based in Nigeria and Spain
Death & Tributes
- Passed away on 3 July 2025 in Lagos after a period of illness, aged 61
- The Nigeria Football Federation described him as “a giant of Nigerian football… a 1994 AFCON champion”
- One of many public tributes came from President Tinubu: “a patriotic sportsman who wrote his name in gold,” and Peter Obi, who called Rufai “unarguably one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers”
Summary
Peter Rufai’s journey from Lagos royalty to national football legend is marked by passion, humility, and excellence. As Nigeria’s goalkeeper during its golden football era, he inspired a generation and left behind a legacy through his academy, mentorship, and unforgettable performances.