The Rufai family has opened up on how the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Prince Peter Rufai, died, revealing that his death came suddenly and after a brief illness.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the family paid tribute to the former Nigerian international, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61.

“With total submission to the will of Almighty God, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the transition to glory of our father and brother, the legendary former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Prince Peter ‘Dodo Manyana’ Rufai.

“He died at Six O’Clock in the morning on Thursday, 3rd of July, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 61 years old,” the family said in the statement.

While acknowledging the shock that accompanied the news of his passing, the family expressed gratitude for the life he lived, one marked by excellence, patriotism, and inspiration to many.

“Despite our shock and sadness at his rather sudden demise, we are indeed extremely grateful to God Almighty for the impactful life that he granted Prince Peter Rufai through a very successful football career that made him to become world famous”, the statement continued.

The family recalled his remarkable football journey that began in the late 1970s with the Sharks Football Club in Port Harcourt, rising through the ranks to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper.

He represented the country at both USA ’94 and France ’98 and was instrumental in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

“From a humble beginning with Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt in the late 1970s, he rose steadily through the ranks in the national team to become Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goalkeeper at USA ’94 and France ’98. He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at Tunisia ’94. Altogether, he won 66 caps with the national team and scored one goal”, the statement added.

Beyond the national team, Rufai’s club career spanned continents—taking him to top leagues in Benin Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—earning him admiration across Europe and Africa.

“Prince Peter Rufai also enjoyed a successful club career that took him from home in Nigeria to Benin Republic, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.”

After retirement, he returned home to focus on youth development, setting up Staruf Sports Development Limited, where he worked to nurture young athletes and promote grassroots sports.

“He finally returned home to Nigeria after his retirement to set up Staruf Sports Development Limited, through which he got Involved in grassroots sports and youth development. That was his full-time engagement until he was called home by his Lord.”

Since the news of his passing broke, the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and sympathy from across Nigeria and the international football community.

“The Rufai Family would like to thank all Nigerians at home and abroad who have been reaching out to us with condolence messages either directly or through the media since the news broke of Prince Peter Rufai’s death.

“We thank everyone for your love and expression of sympathy. A formal announcement of the burial arrangements will be made in due course,” the statement concluded. (Adapted from a report by The PUNCH)