The Nigerian football community will bid farewell to one of its greatest icons as Peter Rufai MON, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, is set to be laid to rest on Friday, August 22, 2025. His family confirmed that final burial arrangements have been concluded for the late Super Eagles goalkeeper, who passed away on July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was 61.
Rufai remains etched in the memory of fans as Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper between the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast and the 1994 edition in Tunisia, a decade of dominance in an international career that spanned 17 years.
His decorated track record with the Nigerian senior national team includes:
AFCON Champion (Tunisia 1994)
AFCON Runner-up (1984 & 1988)
FIFA World Cup appearances (USA 1994, France 1998)
FIFA Confederations Cup (Saudi Arabia 1995)
65 international caps for the Super Eagles
READ ALSO: Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies at 61
Beyond the statistics, Rufai was a charismatic leader, remembered for his agility, bravery, and commanding presence between the posts. For many Nigerians, he symbolized resilience during a golden era of the Super Eagles.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football world, with fans and former teammates hailing him as not only a goalkeeper of immense talent but also a true patriot who gave his all for Nigeria.
As the nation prepares for his burial, Dodo Mayana leaves behind a legacy that transcends the pitch — one of excellence, service, and inspiration to future generations.
Rest in peace, Legend.