Lagos: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed shock at the death of Nigeria’s goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai, at the age of 61. Reports say the goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks before passing away at a Lagos hospital at around 6 a.m. on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, noted that Nigeria’s football realm turned somber following Rufai’s death. The NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed that the news came as a rude shock to the Federation, adding that they were unaware of Rufai’s illness. Sanusi earnestly prayed for Rufai’s eternal rest and comfort for his loved ones and the entire Nigeria football family.
Olajire also mentioned that former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed Rufai’s body had been deposited at a Lagos hospital. Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981 and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988 before achieving glory in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in these championships.
Rufai was also Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 on both occasions. After retiring, he dedicated his time to mentoring young players and served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team.
Apart from his significant contributions to the Super Eagles, Rufai was a notable figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, reaching the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. He also had a professional football career in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.