Two Giants Gone in 2025: Rufai Joins Chukwu in Eternal Rest
Nigeria’s footballing heart beats heavy with grief today as the nation bids farewell to one of its most cherished legends. Peter ‘Dodomayana’ Rufai, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and national hero, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 61.
Rufai’s death marks the end of an era—an era defined by courage, pride, and the unifying power of sport. A prince by birth and a patriot by choice, Rufai turned down the throne of his father in Idimu, Lagos, to serve his country on the football pitch.
In doing so, he became more than a goalkeeper—he became a symbol of Nigeria’s golden generation.
He was the last line of defense during Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and stood tall as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper at its debut FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, and again in 1998.
With 65 international caps, Rufai’s name became synonymous with excellence, composure, and leadership.
His club career spanned Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, where he played for top-flight teams including Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF. But it was in the green and white of Nigeria that he became immortal.
After retirement, Rufai remained a pillar of the football community, mentoring young talents through his Staruf Football Academy and advocating for education and discipline among aspiring athletes. His legacy lives on in every young goalkeeper who dares to dream.
His passing comes just months after the death of ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, captain of Nigeria’s first AFCON-winning team in 1980. Together, they represent the spine of Nigeria’s footballing pride—Chukwu commanding the backline, Rufai guarding the goal.
