THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the death of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing the tragic demise as ‘really shocking’.
The former Super Eagles No.1 died today at the age of 61 after a long battle with illness
“This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “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.”
Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigerian senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before passing away at a Lagos hospital at about 6am today.
Former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s greatest heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.
Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria went all the way in the continental tournament in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players.
He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time.
“Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981,” the NFF recalled.
“He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.”