Legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 AFCON champion Peter Rufai has died after a brief illness, Bold Sports reports.
Rufai, who was 61, reportedly passed away on Thursday morning following health complications. His death marks the end of a remarkable career both on and off the pitch.
Widely respected for his contributions to Nigerian football, Rufai earned 65 caps for the Super Eagles and was the country’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He was also a key figure in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Born in Lagos, Rufai began his football journey with local clubs Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions before moving to AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé in Benin Republic in 1986.
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His European career spanned several countries. Rufai spent six years in Belgium, where he had stints with K.S.C. Lokeren and K.S.K. Beveren. He later joined Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles for the 1993–94 season, making 12 league appearances.
Rufai found greater success after moving to Portugal in 1994 with S.C. Farense. He played a crucial role in helping the team secure a UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in their history, conceding just 38 goals in 34 matches.
His performances earned him a move to Spain’s La Liga with Hércules CF and In 1997, Rufai signed for Deportivo La Coruña, where he made nine appearances.
Rufai later returned to Portugal for a season with Gil Vicente FC before retiring. In his post-playing career, he settled in Spain, where he opened a goalkeeper academy, dedicating his life to mentoring the next generation of shot-stoppers.
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