The death of legendary Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai has been announced on Thursday July 3, 2025 in Lagos after a prolonged illness at age 61.
The Cable reports that Waidi Akanni, a former teammate and associate of the legendary goalkeeper fondly called, Dodo Mayana and Super Eagles team official X account confirmed the death on Thursday.
“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,” the post reads.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond.”
Rufai is regarded as one of the best football goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced. He was the Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper when Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also represented Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the US and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Rufai had over 60 caps for the Super Eagles over the course of a decade with the team.
During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
