By Akpos Oje
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has died at the age of 61 in Lagos after a brief illness.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his death on Thursday, describing it as a shocking loss to the football community. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed disbelief, saying the federation was unaware of Rufai’s health challenges.
“This is really, really shocking. Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family,” Sanusi said.
Rufai reportedly died around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday at a hospital in Lagos. His death was confirmed by former international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, who stated that Rufai’s body had been deposited at the hospital.
Rufai made his debut for the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, in December 1981. He was part of the squads that won silver at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988, and played a key role in Nigeria’s historic AFCON victory in 1994. He was also Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where the team reached the Round of 16.
At club level, Rufai played for Stationery Stores in Lagos and led the team to the final of the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981. He also had a professional career in Europe, featuring for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retirement, Rufai focused on mentoring young players and once served as coordinator of the Nigeria U23 national team.
