Rufai’s Death: Siasia, Adepoju, Agu, Others Pay Glowing tributes to Late Ex- Super Eagles’s Goalkeeper  ***Share Memorable Moments with National Pilot

By Bamidele Aremu

The death of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana, has left Nigeria’s football community in mourning. with tributes pouring in from former teammates and football administrators.

The 61-year-old, who died on Thursday after a prolonged illness, was remembered not only for his achievements on the field but for his quiet leadership, strong character, and lasting impact on Nigerian football.

In an exclusive telephone interview with National Pilot on Friday evening, former Super Eagles stars and teammates to Rufai shared memories of the late goalkeeper, offering glowing tributes to his legacy.

We have lost a legend — Samson Siasia

While speaking with National Pilot, Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, who also shared the national team dressing room with Rufai, spoke with deep emotion.

“How do you receive the news about someone that is dead? You are not happy now. Of course, we have lost a legend. He was like a brother to me.

“In the national team, I shared the same room with him, so, you know, the effect is way more than any other person,” Siasia said.

Describing their closeness, he said: “I was very close to him. We were in the same room. So, how close can that be? We played in the same club in Belgium, you understand? Yes, we were very, very close.”

Siasia remembered Rufai’s quiet but humorous nature: “He was sometimes on the quiet side. Once in a while, he comes out to crack jokes. We all know him as the Dodomayana. He was a great contributor to the national team.”

He added that the 1994 World Cup in the USA stood out as a defining moment in Rufai’s career:

“Well, the most memorable one would be playing in the 1994 World Cup in America. And we got into the second round, and almost got into the quarter-finals . He played a very big role in the national team.”

He talks and jokes a lot, making everywhere lively — Mutiu Adepoju

Mutiu Adepoju 

Also, a former teammate to the Late Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju recalled being shocked when he heard of Rufai’s passing.

“Yeah, it was a very shocking news which I never believed at first until when it was confirmed totally. It’s a very, very sad one,” he said.

Adepoju disclosed that though they hadn’t “been in contact together recently We were close in the national team. Sometimes, we used to talk on the phone. It’s been a long time we left the national team, but we do meet at events. We were close.”

On Rufai’s personality, he said: “He is a jovial somebody, but he loves to joke a lot and hardworking.”

When asked how best Rufai could be immortalized, he responded: “Well, I wouldn’t know. Whichever best way that I can think of. You know, he is somebody that contributed to football in Nigeria and contributed to winning trophies for Nigeria. So, whichever best way they can immortalize him, so be it.”

On Rufai’s legacy, Adepoju opined that:“It’s a big loss to football.”

Peter Rufai was a very intelligent goalkeeper, he’s one of the best I’ve ever known — Alloy Agu

Alloy Agu 

Likewise an ex-Super Eagle goalkeeper, Alloy Agu, who worked closely with Rufai, said he couldn’t believe the news at first.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s devastating. And I was very, very sad and I didn’t believe it when I first heard it. I had to call and say, I hope this is not true. So at the end of the day, it turned out to be what it is. And I wasn’t so happy,” he said.

He described the late goalkeeper as: “Peter Rufai was a very intelligent goalkeeper, one of the best in the whole world. He is charismatic and he’s confident and he’s one of the best I’ve ever known.”

On Rufai’s most memorable moment, Agu cited the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia: “Yeah, 1994 was one of the memorable times because we lifted up the Nations Cup and the Unity Cup in Africa outside Nigeria all the way to Tunisia. And there are so many wonderful occasions. He was there, but he saved a lot of penalty kicks.”

He called for a national honour: “I think he has done so well for Nigeria and for Africa as a whole. I think he is somebody that Nigeria should give a befitting burial and also remembering all his antics, remembering all that he has done. I think this is the time we have to all come together and celebrate our hero and remember his family also.”

He gave his service to the Super Eagles of Nigeria  — Alloy Chukwuemeka

Alloy Chukwuemeka 

The Director of Kwara-based Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC), Alloy Chukwuemeka who is also a close associate to Rufai before his death, described him as a great loss not just to Nigeria, but to the African football community.

“He is a great loss to the Nigerian football confraternity in the sense that this is someone who gave his service to the Super Eagles of Nigeria and he was an inspiration to upcoming goalkeepers.”

He revealed that Rufai had a major project in the works before his death:“He was also on the verge of establishing a goalkeeping academy, which the program is under the pipeline before his unfortunate death.”

Describing his personality, Chukwuemeka said:

“He had this calm and cool attitude that made people to be attracted to him. He was not the loud type. He is a gentleman by excellence and personally, he is somebody that is very intelligent and ready to pass knowledge to others.”

He said Rufai’s peak moment came at the 1994 World Cup in the USA: “That was when his name became a household name. That is the peak of his career. And that was what made him Peter Rufai not only Nigeria, but Africa and the world.”

Reflecting on Rufai’s royal heritage, he added:

“If he had become a traditional ruler, he would have been known for his village alone. But following his passion and becoming a world-renowned person in football, that is something of great inspiration.”

Chukwuemeka believes Rufai’s best tribute lies in realizing his dream: “I think the best way to immortalize him is to look at that vision he had of having a goalkeeping academy. And if that can be built and named after him that goalkeeping academy should be the best way to immortalize him.”

Legacy of a National Icon

Born in Lagos on August 24, 1963, Peter Rufai was capped 65 times by Nigeria, and played pivotal roles in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. His club career took him across Europe, including stints at Lokeren, Beveren, Farense, Gil Vicente, and Deportivo La Coruña.

But beyond the numbers, Rufai’s quiet strength, leadership, and passion for developing young talent made him an icon. And now, even in death, his colleagues are united in one message: his legacy must be preserved.