By Victor Kanayo
Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has passed on, aged 61.
His demise was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a statement on Thursday night.
Rufai was said to have been battling prolonged illness before he died.
His family is yet to officially announce his death.
Illustrious Playing Career
The former Stationery Stores and Go Ahead Eagles shot-stopper had an illustrious career, earning 65 caps for the national team, including appearances in two World Cups and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals 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 U23 team at a time.
He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Day Like No Other
Rufai’s death comes on a day the world of football is mourning Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota.
Jota died in a car crash in Spain earlier in the day, alongside his brother.
