Peter Rufai Biography: Death, Awards, Children, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Goals, Parents, Salary

Peter Rufai, also known as Dodo Mayana, was a legendary Nigerian goalkeeper born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the son of the King of Idimu.

Rufai became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally abroad, featuring for clubs in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

He earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team, captained the Super Eagles, and won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.

Profile

• Full Name: Peter Rufai
• Stage Name: Dodo Mayana
• Born: August 24, 1963
• Age: 61 (at the time of death – July 3, 2025)
• Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Professional Footballer (Goalkeeper)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Parent: Mr and Mrs Rufai
• Siblings: Seven
• Spouse: Stella Rufai
• Children: Senbaty Rufai (footballer), Tunde Rufai, TUtu Rufai, Abiodun Rufai
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 Million

Early Life And Education

Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was 61 years old at the time of his passing on July 3, 2025. He was born into a royal Yoruba family as the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufai, with his father being the King of Idimu.

Rufai was one of eight children in the family, growing up in a closely-knit household that valued culture and discipline. He was a practicing Muslim and belonged to the Yoruba ethnic group, one of the major tribes in Nigeria.

His early years were spent between Lagos, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt, especially during and after the Nigerian Civil War. Peter Rufai received his primary and secondary education in Kaduna and Port Harcourt, where his passion for football was sparked. While still young, he trained as an electrician, but his talent for goalkeeping stood out early on.

Career

Peter Rufai’s football career began in Nigeria, where he played for Stationery Stores FC between 1980 and 1984. He quickly gained recognition as a talented goalkeeper, helping the team reach the FA Cup final and establishing himself with his impressive penalty-saving abilities.

In 1985, he briefly played for Femo Scorpions. In 1986, he made history by becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally abroad, signing with Dragons de l’Ouémé in the Republic of Benin. His move abroad opened more opportunities.

Between 1987 and 1993, Rufai played for K.S.C. Lokeren and K.S.K. Beveren in Belgium. Although he didn’t always feature regularly, his presence in Europe was a significant development for Nigerian footballers at the time. In 1993, he joined Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, where he made 12 league appearances during the 1993/94 season.

From there, he moved to Farense in Portugal and played a key role in helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup. In 1997, he signed for Hércules CF in Spain and later joined Deportivo La Coruña as a backup to Cameroon’s Jacques Songo’o.

While at Deportivo, he kept a memorable clean sheet against Tenerife. He finished his club career with Gil Vicente in Portugal during the 1999/2000 season. On the international stage, Peter Rufai earned 65 caps for the Nigerian national team between 1983 and 1998.

He made his debut in 1983 and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He also played in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, winning gold in 1994 and silver in 1984 and 1988.

In a remarkable moment, he scored a penalty for Nigeria against Ethiopia during the 1993 AFCON qualifiers—an extremely rare feat for a goalkeeper. Rufai served as team captain, leading the Super Eagles during the 1998 World Cup.

Known for his leadership, confidence, and acrobatic saves, he was widely respected both on and off the pitch. After retiring from professional football, he remained active in the sport, running goalkeeping academies in Nigeria and Spain to train the next generation of talent.

Awards and Nominations

• Africa Cup of Nations Winner – 1994
• AFCON Silver Medal – 1984, 1988
• First Nigerian goalkeeper to play professionally abroad
• Captain of Nigeria’s national team during the 1998 World Cup

Personal Life

Peter Rufai, the legendary Nigerian goalkeeper born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, was married to his longtime partner, Stella Rufai, until his passing on July 3, 2025. Their marriage was a stable and private one, and together they had three children: Tunde, Tutu, and Abiodun.

In addition to his children with Stella, Peter also had other children outside of marriage, including Senbaty Rufai, who followed in his father’s football footsteps and played as a midfielder for Sunshine Stars FC. Peter Rufai stood at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), which gave him an excellent reach and strong presence in goal.

Net Worth

Peter Rufai had an estimated net worth of $4 million. His primary source of income came from his successful football career, which spanned over two decades and included playing for top clubs in Nigeria, Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

As Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during two FIFA World Cups and several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Rufai earned notable match bonuses, international contracts, and endorsements during his active years.