Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has reportedly passed away at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana,” was a celebrated goalkeeper who played a key role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s.

Rufai’s career spanned two decades, during which he played club football across Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, earning admiration for his agility, leadership, and passion for the game.

Tributes have been pouring in for Rufai from fans, teammates, and football bodies around the world, remembering him not just as a formidable goalkeeper but as a national hero who inspired generations. His passing comes on a particularly tragic day for global football, as news also broke of the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who reportedly died in a car crash in Spain earlier on Thursday, alongside his brother.

Rufai’s legacy will live on, and he will be remembered as one of the finest goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced. His contributions to Nigerian football will never be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed by fans and fellow footballers alike.