Nigeria’s goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai is dead. He was 61 years old.
His former teammate and associate, Waidi Akanni confirmed the death to TheCable on Thursday.
While the family is yet to issue an official statement, the news of his death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, as tributes begin to pour in for the iconic goalkeeper who stood tall between the posts for the national football team, the Super Eagles.
Rufai was a central figure in Nigeria’s golden football era. He was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cup finals in thr United States in 1994 and France 1998.
As reported by Sports Village Square, Rufai was renowned for his leadership, reflexes, and charisma. He earned over 60 caps for the national team and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
Beyond his national team heroics, he had a successful club career across Europe, playing for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos.
Nicknamed Dodomayana — an acknowledgement of his regal heritage as the son of a traditional ruler — Rufai was admired for his discipline, professionalism, and advocacy for education among aspiring athletes.
