![CAF President, Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe [PHOTO CREDIT: CAF]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2023/09/woexyjxsdawizfdyrudv.png?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations to Nigeria following the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai.
Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
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His death has sent shockwaves through the African football fraternity, with tributes pouring in from far and wide for one of the continent’s most iconic goalkeepers.
Mr Motsepe described Rufai as a symbol of excellence who helped elevate African football on the global stage.
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“Peter Rufai is part of a special generation of African football players who made the people of Nigeria and the entire African continent very proud.
“He was an enormously talented footballer and was respected in Africa and globally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its President Ibrahim Gusau, his former teammates and the people of Nigeria. ‘Dodo Mayana’ will forever live in our hearts and minds. May his soul rest in peace.”
Peter Rufai earned 65 international caps for Nigeria, featuring prominently at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
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He was also between the sticks when Nigeria won its second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994, a landmark achievement that confirmed the country’s place among Africa’s footballing elite.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Ahmed Musa lead tributes as Nigerians mourn death of goalkeeping legend Peter Rufai
Born in Lagos in 1963, Rufai’s professional career spanned two decades with spells at clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
He was admired for his composure, leadership, and commitment to the game, and was instrumental in inspiring a generation of Nigerian goalkeepers.
Beyond his playing days, Rufai remained active in football development, founding the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos to mentor aspiring young talents.
The passing of Peter Rufai marks the end of an era, but his name will remain etched in the memories of African football fans for generations to come.
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