Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies aged 61

Pallade Veneta - Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies aged 61

SPORTS 03.07.2025

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies aged 61 / Photo: Fethi Belaid - AFP

Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peter Rufai has died aged 61 following an illness, the national football federation said on Thursday.

Change text size:

Popularly known as Dodomayana, Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and featured at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.

He also was part of the Super Eagles squad when Nigeria won a second Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Tunisia in 1994, beating Zambia 2-1.

"We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion," the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said in post on social platform X.

"Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond."

In a statement the NFF said Rufai had "died in Lagos following a period of illness".

NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, said Rufai's death was "really shocking".

Rufai played for several Nigerian clubs before he moved to play overseas in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

F.Dodaro--PV

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Dianna Russini Details 'Nightmare' Scandal Aftermath, Announces New Media Venture

Former NFL insider Dianna Russini has publicly addressed the intense personal fallout from her departure from The Athletic, describing the period as a "nightmare" that tested her family. Following months of public scrutiny and professional upheaval, Russini announced her return to sports media through a new streaming show and podcast contributions, citing renewed support from colleagues and family.

Pallade Veneta - Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies aged 61