Peter Rufai: Goalkeeper who captained Nigeria against England dies age 61 after 'long illness'
A former international goalkeeper has died after a long ilness, the FA has confirmed.
Peter Rufai, an ex-Nigeria goalkeeper who once captained his country against England, has died age 61.
The shot-stopper earned 65 caps for Nigeria and helped lead the Super Eagles to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title. He also played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
In 1994, he then wore the armband during Nigeria’s 1–0 loss to England at the old Wembley Stadium.
Paying tribute to the goalkeeper, a spokesperson for the Nigerian FA remembered him as a giant of the sport, reminding fans of his “Dodo Mayana” nickname.
The spokesperson said: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. 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.”
Rufai died in Lagos, where he had been receiving treatment. Former captain Segun Odegbami said he knew Rufai had been ill for some time and was struggling to absorb the news. Midfielder Etim Esin also shared his shock and grief, saying he could not believe Rufai was gone.
Across his club career, Rufai played for several European sides including Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain, Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, and Belgian clubs Lokeren and Beveren.
He finished his career in 2000 after his final spell with Gil Vicente.