Ex Nigerian Star ‘Dodomayana’ Is Dead

News Update

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has died following a prolonged illness. He passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Rufai, popularly known as “Dodomayana”, was a key figure in Nigerian football during the 1990s and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s participation in several international tournaments.

Although the family is yet to issue an official statement, a senior official of the Lagos State Government confirmed his death to journalists on Thursday morning.

“It is indeed a sad day for Nigerian sports. Peter Rufai was more than just a goalkeeper; he was a legend of the game,” the official said, speaking under anonymity.

Rufai earned over 60 caps for the Super Eagles and featured at the FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he lifted the trophy in 1994.

He also had a distinguished club career, playing for teams in Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. He is remembered for his time at Deportivo La Coruña in Spain’s La Liga.

Rufai also made headlines off the pitch, including when he revealed he was a prince and returned home in the late 1990s to fulfil royal obligations in the Rufai family.

He was 61 years old at the time of his passing. Further details about funeral arrangements are expected to be made public by the family in due course.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to release an official statement but is expected to do so in the coming hours.