Peter Rufai Joins Diogo Jota in Death

Barely hours after the heartbreaking news of Portuguese star Diogo Jota’s sudden passing alongside his brother at the age of 28 and 25 years old respectfully, Nigeria has lost one of its greatest goalkeepers, Peter Rufai. 

The former Super Eagles shot-stopper reportedly died on Thursday at the age of 61, after a long battle with illness.

Fondly called Dodo Mayana, Rufai wasn’t just a goalkeeper,  he was a symbol of Nigeria’s golden football era. He stood tall in goal during Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory and was the first-choice keeper at the FIFA World Cups in USA ’94 and France ’98. 

Whether it was shaking hands with Diego Maradona before a heated Nigeria-Argentina clash or making crucial saves in La Liga for Hércules CF, Rufai left his mark with poise, reflexes, and leadership.

Over a two-decade career, he played professional football across Europe,  in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain becoming one of Nigeria’s most travelled and experienced goalkeepers. 

He earned over 60 caps for the national team, building a legacy that inspired a generation of goalkeepers.

But Rufai’s story didn’t end when he hung up his gloves. He poured his passion into youth development through his Staruf Academy in Lagos, mentoring young talents and staying close to the game he loved.

His passing, so soon after the shocking death of Diogo Jota, is a painful reminder of how quickly the football world can be shaken. Two men, from different corners of the globe, united by the beautiful game and now, by death.

May Peter Rufai rest peacefully, his name forever etched in Nigeria’s football history.