Tributes Pour in for Nigerian Football Legend Peter Rufai
The African football community is mourning the loss of Peter Rufai, the former Nigerian goalkeeper who played a crucial role in his country’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory. Rufai, widely regarded as one of the best African goalkeepers of all time, passed away at the age of 61, the Nigerian Football Federation announced on Thursday.
Rufai’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive 20-year playing career, which included stints at top clubs in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He was a trailblazer for Nigerian football, helping to put the country on the global map with his heroic performances on the pitch. The Nigerian federation has paid tribute to Rufai, saying his legacy will live on "between the sticks and beyond." Local media reports suggest that Rufai had been battling a brief, undisclosed illness before his passing.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has also paid tribute to Rufai, recalling his "heroic contributions" to the Super Eagles’ historic victory in 1994. "I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations," Tinubu said. "He brought honor to the nation and opened a new window of opportunities for young footballers in Nigeria."
Rufai’s impressive career was marked by numerous milestones, including his participation in Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup squad in the United States and the 1998 World Cup in France. He was also the first Nigerian goalkeeper to score a goal for his team internationally, achieving this feat in a 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. With over 60 caps for the Super Eagles, Rufai’s dedication to Nigerian football was unwavering.
After retiring from professional football in 2000, Rufai went on to establish the Staruf Football Academy, where he coached and mentored young players. His passion for developing the next generation of football talent has left a lasting impact on the sport in Nigeria.
As the football community comes together to mourn the loss of Peter Rufai, his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate young players across Africa and beyond. His contributions to the sport will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on as a true legend of Nigerian football.
