• Peter Rufai died from cardiac arrest after a long battle with heart disease.
• He had a history of heart-related issues dating back to a 2012 collapse.
• Rufai kept his illness private while seeking treatment in Spain.
• Tributes poured in from NFF Kanu and Ahmed Musa.
• He was the sixth member of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup squad to pass away.
• Rufai leaves behind a legacy as a player mentor and academy founder.

The Nigerian football community is deeply saddened by the untimely death of esteemed goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away on July 3, 2025, at 61. Fondly referred to as Dodo Mayana, Rufai played a pivotal role during Nigeria’s golden era in football, securing the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and showcasing his talent in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998).

As tributes flood in for the legendary goalkeeper, many are left pondering: What illness plagued Peter Rufai? This article explores his long-term health challenges, the circumstances of his passing, and the lasting impact of his career.

Peter Rufai’s Silent Battle with Heart Disease

It has been confirmed through reports that Rufai’s death resulted from cardiac arrest after enduring a persistent heart condition for years. His health issues were not unexpected—back in October 2012, he collapsed at his office in Lagos and was hospitalized overnight, initially thought to be due to exhaustion but later identified as an early sign of heart troubles.

In the last two years, close friends noticed Rufai scaling back his activities, appearing visibly winded after light exertion. He had been shuttling between Nigeria and Spain for specialist treatment, keeping his condition private to avoid public scrutiny.

“Peter experienced chest discomfort late Wednesday night but opted to ‘sleep it off.’ He went into cardiac arrest around 6 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the hospital.” — Cadena SER report.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock, with General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi stating:

“Peter Rufai dead? What happened? We did not even know he had been ill.”.

Former teammates and football stars, including Nwankwo Kanu and Ahmed Musa, paid emotional tributes:

“We lost an African legend. May his soul rest well. May your spirit continue to inspire future generations.” — Kanu.

“Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride. Fly high, Dodo Mayana.” — Ahmed Musa.

Rufai’s death marks the sixth loss from Nigeria’s iconic 1994 World Cup squad, following the passing of Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and others.

🇳🇬🕊️ Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana.

We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion.

Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.

Rest well, Peter Rufai. 💚#SuperEagles #AFCON pic.twitter.com/9x7XEwE58a

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) July 3, 2025

Beyond his goalkeeping heroics, Rufai was a mentor and advocate for youth development. He founded the Staruf Academy in Lagos, nurturing future talents, and even turned down a hereditary throne to pursue football. His son, Senbaty Rufai, followed in his footsteps as a footballer.

Peter Rufai’s death is a profound loss for African football. While his health struggles were kept out of the spotlight, his contributions on and off the pitch remain unforgettable. As fans and former teammates honor his memory, his story serves as a reminder of the silent battles many athletes face long after retirement.

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Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by 247 News Around The World