By HeadlineNews.News Sports Desk
July 3, 2025 | Lagos
A National Mourning Over a Football Great
Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, aged 61. He passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning in Lagos after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by family sources and reported by Headlinenews.news, Premium Times, AFP/France24, the NFF, and other major outlets.
From Lagos Streets to International Glory
Born on August 24, 1963 in Oshodi, Lagos, Rufai emerged from the legendary Stationery Stores FC, then one of Nigeria’s top clubs, earning his nickname “Dodo Mayana” for his acrobatic saves .
Club Career Highlights
Played for European clubs in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña).
Key player during Farense’s UEFA Cup qualification in 1995, known for conceding just 38 goals that season.
International Achievements
- Earned 65 caps for Nigeria between 1983 and 1998, scoring once (a penalty vs Ethiopia in 1993 qualifiers).
- First-choice goalkeeper for Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
Tributes Across the Football World
The NFF, via General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, expressed shock and sadness:
“This is really, really shocking… We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort all his loved ones and the Nigeria football family.”
Stationery Stores FC President, Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, also known as the Iron Lady of Nigerian Soccer and the only female to lead a major men’s club globally, offered a heartfelt tribute:
“Peter Rufai was a colossus between the posts. His professionalism, reflexes, and passion elevated Nigerian goalkeeping. May his gentle soul find eternal peace.”
A flood of condolences has followed across sports media, social platforms, and football clubs, reflecting his lasting impact.
Legacy Beyond the Field
Founder of the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, Rufai mentored aspiring talents post-retirement.
Refused inherited royal status as son of the Idimu tribal king in Lagos, choosing football over succession.
Nicknamed Dodo Mayana, he was celebrated for composure, acrobatics, and leadership on the field.
A Prayer for His Soul
O Lord, grant Your servant Peter Rufai eternal rest. May perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen.
The Depth of the Loss
Peter Rufai’s death marks the end of an era. His rise from Stationery Stores to global football stages symbolized Nigeria’s football renaissance in the 1990s. His consistent presence in goal shaped a more confident Super Eagles, while his academy work nurtured the next generation of goalkeepers.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser’s statements underscore both his sporting greatness and his place in Stationery Stores history—a club she led as a pioneering female figure in Nigerian and global football.
Israel Adebajo & Irene Adebajo her parents, were founders of the Stationery Stores FC of Lagos. The Club was the first privately owned soccer club in Nigeria’s soccer history and nurtured many youths who became stars all over the world. In 1967, the Nigerian Super Eagles National team comprised of only Stationery Stores FC players and represented Nigeria in the 1968 Olympics holding Brazil to a 3-3 draw. Israel Adebajo sponsored the Nigerian National team for years, fulfilling the Federal Government’s responsibility, flying to South America to buy Jerseys, Kits and bearing all expenses for the Nigerian National Team including international travel, accomodation, bonuses etc. A philanthropist extraordinaire and one of the wealthiest Nigerians who kept a very low profile. A billionaire when there were only a few millionaires in the Country.
Peter Rufai was a beneficiary of the legacy of Israel & Irene Adebajo O.O.N.
Final Tribute
Peter Rufai’s life embodied dedication, humility, and excellence. As a player, he earned trophies; as a man, he earned respect. His memory will inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers—and remain beloved by fans forever.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
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Reported by Olufemi Babatunde, Senior Sports Correspondent
