Paying tribute to the former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations champion, the national team described him as a towering figure in Nigerianfootballhistorywhose contributions would never be forgotten. In a statement via X on Thursday... Arguably, PeterRufai will go down as one of the most dependable, agile, and cultured goalkeepers in Nigeria’s soccer history, his humility, skills, and model of excellence serving to inspire a new generation of goalkeepers and athletes. The passing of PeterRufai—Nigeria’s iconic goalkeeper, royal scion of Idimu and beloved “Dodo Mayana”—reverberated like thunder across the firmament of African football, shaking the very soul of the sport he once ruled with unmatched grace and grit. PeterRufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.” A part ofNigerianfootballhistory has died today. PeterRufai made his international debut in 1981 and played in two FIFA World Cup tournaments (1994 and 1998), as well as three Africa Cup of Nations finals, winning gold in 1994. Nigeria’s football fraternity was enveloped in grief as news broke of the passing of PeterRufai, the iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper known affectionately as Dodo Mayana, who died at the age of 61 in a Lagos hospital.