Nigeria’s football community was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai. The 61-year-old, affectionately nicknamed “Dodomayana,” passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports history.

The Super Eagles confirmed the news via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, paying tribute to the iconic shot-stopper. “We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the post read. “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai.”

Rufai was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden era of football, most notably as part of the squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia. That same year, he also represented Nigeria at the country’s debut FIFA World Cup appearance in the United States, playing a crucial role in the team’s historic advancement to the round of 16.

Beyond his international feats, Rufai’s club career spanned stints in Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal, where he left an indelible mark with his skill and leadership on the pitch. Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, former teammates, and football authorities, all hailing him as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.