Legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who earned a total of 65 caps for the Nigerian national team, has passed away.
The iconic player had been battling a long-term illness, which is believed to be the cause of his death.
The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed deep sorrow over the news:
“This is really, really shocking! Peter Rufai has passed away? What happened? I’m in disbelief. We didn’t even know he had been ill.”
“We pray to Almighty God to grant him eternal rest. Our deepest condolences go out to all his loved ones and the entire Nigerian football community.”
Rufai served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for 17 years and was the team’s main shot-stopper during the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
He was also a key member of the Nigerian squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Throughout his career, Rufai played professional football in countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. After retiring from football, he dedicated himself to discovering and mentoring young talents.