LAGOS, Nigeria – The family of late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, fondly remembered as Dodo Mayana, has released details of his burial arrangements following his passing on July 3, 2025.
Rufai, who died at the age of 61 in a Lagos hospital after a prolonged illness, will be laid to rest later this month.
According to the programme made public on Monday by veteran sports journalist Mumini Alao and signed by Sunny Bruce Rufai on behalf of the family, the funeral rites will commence on Thursday, August 21, with a service of songs. The service will be accompanied with the public presentation of his biography in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
The following day, Friday, August 22, a funeral Mass will be held at the Catholic Church of Visitation, First Avenue, Festac Town, beginning at 10 a.m., after which interment will take place at the Ikoyi Cemetery. The ceremonies will be rounded off with a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 24, also at the Catholic Church of Visitation, Festac Town.
Peter Rufai was Nigeria’s number-one goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where he helped the Super Eagles advance to the Round of 16 on both occasions. At the Africa Cup of Nations, he won silver medals in 1984 and 1988 before lifting the trophy with Nigeria in 1994.
He made his international debut in 1981 and went on to serve the country for over 14 years. At club level, Rufai enjoyed stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, before hanging up his gloves. After retirement, he remained devoted to the growth of Nigerian football, mentoring young players and serving briefly as coordinator of the U23 national team.
GWG
