Peter Rufai: The State of Super Eagles Legend’s House After His Death
- Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai lost his long battle with illness last Thursday, July 3, 2025
- The former Super Eagles shot-stopper won AFCON 1994 with Nigeria and played at two World Cups
- A video of the scene at his house in Lagos after his demise sparked many reactions on social media
Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai passed away at the age of 61 on July 3, 2025, after losing his battle with a prolonged illness that had reportedly plagued him since 2012.
He manned the goal for the Super Eagles from 1983 to 1998, during which time he won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and featured at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998.
Source: Getty Images
According to the NFF, he began his career at Stationery Stores in Lagos and had stints in Europe, including Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Dodo Mayana, as he was fondly known, retired in 2000 and settled in Spain, setting up a goalkeeper’s academy, before returning to Nigeria, per AP News.
State of Rufai's house after his death
Condolences have poured in for the legendary goalkeeper from the Nigerian football community, many of whom remembered him for his skills in goal and cheerfulness.
As seen in a video trending on TikTok by BBC News Yoruba, the situation at the former player’s house was calm after his death, with people filling the condolence book.
His neighbours testified that he was a responsible man who participated in the development of the community and was humble despite his status as a former global player.
Reactions to mourners at Peter Rufai's house
The video drew reactions from the fans, many of whom hailed his legacy and believed he should have found help when he was suffering from his illness.
Legit.ng has compiled some of these comments below.
@OLASABAZOE wrote:
“People are quick to sign the condolence book but never quick to help.”
@Bolajoko wrote:
“People are so quick to say condolences 💐 instead of to assist the person when they are alive. So sad 😭!”
@OsunAdara wrote:
“When he needed help, no one stood by him. Now you are saying what what. Same applicable to to Rasheed Yekini.”
@DouglasIzevbigie wrote:
“May God not let Nigeria happen to me nor my siblings, Amen. Because it's a country never to sacrifice for thinking you will be a hero. He would have survived if the necessary financial help was there.”
Source: Getty Images
Rufai, until his death, lived in Idimu, Lagos, where he was a royal prince and was touted to cede the throne after his father passed away in 1998, while he was at RC Deportivo.
He eventually did not ascend to the throne and continued his career in Europe. He had a short spell at Gil Vicente in Portugal afterwards before retiring as a professional star.
Although Rufai's cause of death has not been officially confirmed, ESPN reported that he is the sixth player from Nigeria's iconic 1994 World Cup team to have passed on.
Rufai’s rise inspired young Nigerians - expert
A sports psychologist, Adekunle Ayodele Olusola, has described late Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai as a symbol of hope and possibility for the nation’s youth.
Ayodele, who is also an instructor at the Nigeria Institute of Sports, told Legit.ng:
"Rufai represents possibility in a country where many young people struggle to see viable paths to success.
"His journey from local football pitches to European stadiums proved that with talent, determination, and perseverance, extraordinary achievement was possible.
"This message of hope resonates particularly strongly with young Nigerians who saw in Rufai a realistic model of what they might achieve.”
How former clubs paid tribute to Rufai
Legit.ng reported on how former clubs paid Peter Rufai tribute after the legendary goalkeeper passed away at the age of 61 follwing a long battle with illness.
He played for many clubs in Europe, including those in Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, most of which paid tribute to his contribution to their clubs.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a sports expert for this report.
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Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has four years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com
Adekunle Ayodele Olusola (Sports Psychologist and Mental Performance Expert) Dr Adekunle Ayodele Olusola, is a lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Lagos. Specialising in emotional regulation and mental skills training, he helps athletes achieve peak performance. He also teaches sports psychology at the Nigeria Institute of Sports and has numerous publications on therapy, physical exercise, and mental preparation for athletic excellence.
