Omo Nawa o , Wetin dey happen for inside Football sef ,Yesterday too Nigeria football enter deep sorrow as we lose one of di all‑time greats – Peter Rufai, also known as “Dodo Mayana.” He pass away for Lagos hospital early Thursday morning (3 July 2025), after he don dey battle illness for some weeks . The former Super Eagles captain die at 61, a man wey waka long journey from Stationery Stores to big European clubs and rise solid as national number one for 1994 AFCON and two World Cups .
From Lagos Streets to World Stage
Rufai begin football career for Stationery Stores in early ’80s before embark Europe journey – e play for Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain . But na for Super Eagles he shine pass: him dey between di sticks when Nigeria win AFCON in 1994, and im don cap di team at two World Cups (1994, 1998) (). His heroics include penalty saves plenty times – like for semis against Algeria’s Lakhder Belloumi (1988) and Ivory Coast’s Armani Yao (1994) . Na so he earn iconic nickname “Dodo Mayana,” and fans go dey always remember di flamboyant and composed keeper .
Tributes Dey Pour In
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announce say “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana,” and describe am as “giant of Nigerian football” . Former teammate Waidi Akanni confirm the sad news: “Yes, our friend Dodo Mayana die this morning” . Peter Obi add say Rufai give Nigerians “unforgettable moments” and e performance for 1994 AFCON and World Cup remain legend .
Legacy Wey Go Live Forever
Rufai no just be player, e dey mentor young keepers after he retire. E serve as U‑23 team coordinator, carry im experience guide next generation (). Him story show sey with discipline and flair, young Naija boys fit shine on big stage. His journey from local clubs to national icon na inspiration for many.
Di Other Side – Popular Football Wei Shade Clouds
Yesterday also bring tragic crash wey claim life of Diogo Jota (28) and him brother André Silva (26) when their Lamborghini veer off road for Zamora, Spain – one tyre blow out cause accident wahala . Jota, Liverpool forward and Portugal international, die just days after im wedding and not long after help Portugal win Nations League .
Jota: Talent, Goals, Family
Jota join Liverpool for 2020, don score 65 goals in 182 games, and pick Premier League + FA Cup + two League Cups . Him football father Arne Slot call am “very special” and say club don heartbroken . Jurgen Klopp cry say “I’m heartbroken… fantastic player, great friend, loving husband and father” . Cristiano Ronaldo add say “doesn’t make any sense,” send condolence to Rute (wife) and pikin dem .
Emotions Enter Everywhere
Liverpool fans gather at Anfield, leave flowers and scarves; club plan funeral Saturday . Wimbledon break tradition, allow black armbands for players in tribute .
Connecting The Dots: Rufai & Jota – Two Legends, One Day of Mourning
For one fateful day, world football dey mourn two keepers from different eras and continents. Peter Rufai for Naija; Diogo Jota for Europe. Both dem show say football dey cross borders and touch heart. One na symbol of Naija golden era; the other na rising star with global impact. Both leave legacies wey go inspire generations.
Naija Must Stand Tall
As fans, make we honour Rufai – share his saves, tell his story, support his family with prayers. And for Europe too, send heartfelt condolences to Jota’s wife Rute, their three children, and all wey dey grieving.
Legacy no die with death; e live inside memory and stories wey fans still dey tell. Peter Rufai and Diogo Jota – both names go remain for history, reminding us say football na passion, annointing, and community.
Sleep well, Dodo Mayana. Sleep well, Diogo Jota. You both carry football to higher level, and we go never forget una shine.