By Deborah Coker
Abuja, July 4, 2025 The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has described the passing of former legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, as a deep shock and a great loss to the country’s football community.
A statement issued on Friday by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Assistant, Media, to Shaibu, described Rufai as an inspiration to the youth.
Rufai, a legendary Nigeria national team goalkeeper and 1994 AFCON champion, died on Thursday at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.
According to him, the news of Peter Rufai’s passing is a great loss to Nigerian football. He was a true icon, a 1994 AFCON winner, and a role model for many.
“His passion and dedication to the game will be deeply missed. We at the national institute for sports extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.
“Honestly, Nigeria has lost a legend. Peter Rufai’s contributions to the Super Eagles and Nigerian football in general are undeniable.
“His performances, especially at the 1994 AFCON, inspired a generation. We mourn with his family and the football family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Rufai born on Aug. 24, 1963, made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in Dec. 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria triumphed in the continental final at the Tunisia 1994 event.
He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
He was also the goalkeeper for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals where the Super Eagles progressed to the round of 16 on both occasions.
The late goalkeeper later dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players, and also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.
Aside from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Stationery Stores, a Lagos football club, with which he reached the final of the Africa Winners Cup competition in 1981.
He also played professional football for Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, as well as Go Ahead Eagles in The Netherlands, before his stints with Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain.
He was also a goalkeeper with Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
NAN