The Nigerian football community was left in mourning on Thursday evening with the news of the passing of former national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. The legendary goalkeeper, who represented Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments, passed away in Lagos after a period of illness.
The news of Rufai’s death came as a shock to many, including the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who expressed his disbelief at the sudden loss. Sanusi extended his condolences to Rufai’s family and the entire Nigerian football family, praying for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Reports indicated that Rufai had been battling illness for some time before succumbing to it in a Lagos hospital early on Thursday morning. Former Nigeria international midfielder, Waidi Akanni, confirmed that Rufai’s body had been taken to a hospital in Lagos.
Rufai’s illustrious career spanned 17 years, during which he achieved significant milestones with the Nigerian national team. He was part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and participated in the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998. Rufai was known for his charisma, discipline, and leadership on the field, earning him the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.
In addition to his contributions to the national team, Rufai also had a successful club career, notably with Lagos-based club, Stationery Stores. He reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981 with the club and went on to play professionally in Europe, showcasing his talent in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
After retiring from professional football, Rufai remained involved in the sport, dedicating his time to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at one point, continuing to make a positive impact on Nigerian football.
The legacy of Peter Rufai will forever be remembered in Nigerian football history, as he leaves behind a lasting imprint on the sport and the lives of those he touched. May his soul rest in peace.
