It was a sad day for supporters of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the football world following the death of Peter Rufai who passed away after a brief illness.
The Nigerian Football Federation comfirmed the death of Peter Rufai on its official social media account on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Rufai was a key part of the Super Eagles team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 which was hosted in Tunisia.
NFF statement read as follows,
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai. “
However, here are five things you need to know about Peter Rufai
(1) Royal roots
He was born on August 24, 1963 in Lagos, Rufai was the son of the tribal king of Idimu. Though in line for the throne after his father’s death in 1999, he declined the royal status to focus on his football career—famously saying, “I lost the opportunity to be king but I never regretted it”
(2) Continental success:
Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and was the first-choice goalkeeper during the Super Eagles’ triumphant 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. He was remembered in that competition for his semifinal penalty save against Ivory Coast.
(3) European club career across five countries:
Rufai spent two decades playing in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Benin Republic, with notable clubs including Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eales, Farense, Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña, and Gil Vicente.
(4) Remarkable scoring & post‑retirement legacy
He achieved the rare feat of scoring for his nation—converting a penalty in Nigeria’s 6–0 win over Ethiopia in a 1993 AFCON qualifier the only goal of his 65 career caps . After retiring, he moved to Spain and launched a goalkeeping academy to mentor young talents .
(5) World Cup captain
He was Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper at both the 1994 USA and 1998 France World Cups, captaining the team in the iconic 1994 match against England at Wembley. He helped lead Nigeria to the Round of 16 on both occasions
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