Nigerian football mourns the loss of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61 after a brief illness in Lagos. His death was confirmed by former Nigerian midfielder Waidi Akanni, who noted that Rufai’s body was taken to a local hospital.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hailed Rufai as “a giant of Nigerian football,” with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the football community. Ex-Eagles captain Segun Odegbami expressed shock, recalling Rufai’s struggles with illness, while former teammate Etim Esin lamented the loss, calling it “a great loss.”
Ahmed Musa, the current Super Eagles skipper, paid tribute to Rufai’s legacy, emphasizing his contributions to the national team and how his spirit will inspire future generations. Similarly, the Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars, extended condolences to Rufai’s family.
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai debuted for the Green Eagles in 1981 and played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s successes, including the 1994 AFCON victory. He also represented Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and dedicated his post-retirement years to mentoring young players.
Rufai’s illustrious career included stints with clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal, making him a respected figure in the football world. His legacy will be cherished by fans and players alike.
