Nigerian football legend Peter Rufai has sadly passed away, leaving a deep void in the hearts of Super Eagles supporters and the global football community.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officially confirmed the heartbreaking news of Rufai’s death on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper reportedly died after a brief illness. He was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, a tournament held in Tunisia that marked a golden era for Nigerian football.
“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.”
— NFF Tribute
5 Remarkable Things to Know About Peter Rufai
1. Heir to a Throne, But Chose Football
Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Peter Rufai came from royal lineage. He was the son of the king of Idimu and was next in line to ascend the throne. However, after his father’s death in 1999, Rufai chose to pursue his football passion instead of royal duties, once stating, “I lost the opportunity to be king but I never regretted it.”
2. A Champion on the Continent
Rufai was capped 65 times for Nigeria and was the trusted No. 1 goalkeeper during Nigeria’s historic AFCON win in 1994. He played a vital role in the tournament, including a crucial penalty save in the semifinal match against Ivory Coast.
3. A True Journeyman in European Football
Over a 20-year career, Rufai showcased his talent in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Benin Republic. He featured for clubs like Lokeren, Beveren, Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña, and Gil Vicente, proving himself as a dependable presence in goal.
4. A Goalkeeper Who Scored and Gave Back
In an extraordinary moment for a goalkeeper, Rufai scored a penalty in Nigeria’s 6–0 demolition of Ethiopia during a 1993 AFCON qualifier. Post-retirement, he settled in Spain and founded a goalkeeping academy to train and mentor the next generation of shot-stoppers.
5. A World Cup Leader
Peter Rufai was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in two FIFA World Cups — USA 1994 and France 1998. He also captained the national team in the famous 1994 friendly against England at Wembley. Under his leadership, Nigeria reached the Round of 16 in both tournaments, cementing his status as a national hero.
Peter Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football — both on and off the pitch — will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
