Biography

Peter Rufai Biography, Early Life, Career, Cause of Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Peter Rufai, better known as ‘Dodo Mayana,’ was a former Nigerian professional goalkeeper who played football for nearly six decades before succumbing to the icy hands of death. He was 61 years old, born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, and died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a protracted illness. Peter Rufai was survived by his wife, Mikaila Rufai, and had four children.

Peter Rufai Biography and Early Life

Peter Rufai Biography
Photo Credit: @peter_rufai, Instagram

Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, Peter Rufai, originally from Oshodi in the Idimu neighborhood, began his career at a young age. He began his professional football career with Stationery Stores in 1980 but departed four years later to join Femo Scorpions in 1985.

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Club career

Rufai was born in Lagos and began his career there, playing for Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions. He relocated to Benin in 1986, joining AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé. Rufai spent six years in Belgium, playing for K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren; however, he only made a few appearances.

In the 1993-94 season, he appeared in 12 games for Dutch rivals Go Ahead Eagles, who finished 12th in the Eredivisie. Rufai and S.C. Farense began their Portuguese adventure in 1994. In his debut year, he helped the Algarve side concede only 38 goals in 34 matches, allowing them to qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time.

His strong performances won him a move to La Liga, but he struggled to start for poor Hércules CF, which resulted in his demotion. Rufai joined Deportivo de La Coruña and backed up Jacques Songo’o for two seasons. He kept a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win over CD Tenerife (1-0) when Songo’o was on suspension.

He then returned to Portugal for one more year, playing for lowly Gil Vicente FC, which was also a second choice. Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, residing in and establishing a goalie academy.

International career

Rufai gained 65 caps for Nigeria, playing as their first-choice goalkeeper in two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998, as well as helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Rufai scored a penalty in a 6-0 home victory over Ethiopia in a CAN qualification match on July 24, 1993.

Peter Rufai Cause of Death

He died on Thursday morning, June 3, 2025, after a protracted illness. However, Peter Rufai’s sickness that caused his death has not been divulged by the goalkeeper’s family, since his funeral and burial arrangements have still to be decided.

Peter Rufai Wife

Peter Rufai was married to his wife, Mikaila Rufai. During Rufai’s life, the couple raised four children together until he passed away.

Peter Rufai Net Worth

As a successful shot-stopper, Peter Rufai’s net worth was estimated to be between $200,000 and $500,000 in July 2025, when he died. He made his money from football and other secret ventures.

Social Media

Instagram: @peter_rufai

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