The Nigerian football community was greeted with the news of Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai’s death on Thursday after battling a prolonged illness.
During his playing career that lasted two decades, Rufai played in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
He also represented Nigeria at two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Here are seven things to know about Nigeria’s most legendary goalkeeper, Peter Rufai
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A Prince who embraced football
Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963 and hailed from a royal family — his father was a traditional ruler in Idimu, Lagos.
As the first son, he was in line to become king, but he famously chose a career in football instead, stating that his passion for the game outweighed the allure of royalty.
This earned him respect both on and off the pitch for following his passion.
Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goalkeeper
Rufai made history by being Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup in 1994, hosted in the USA.
He also played in the 1998 World Cup in France, making him one of the few Nigerians to appear in multiple World Cups.
His calmness, authority in goal, and leadership helped solidify Nigeria’s place on the global football stage.
Winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The legendary goalkeeper was a guaranteed starter, and his exploits between the posts helped Nigeria win the AFCON title in 1994 in Tunisia.
That year was historic as Nigeria was crowned champions of Africa and also broke into the top 5 of FIFA’s world rankings.
Elaborate career in Europe
Rufai’s club career spanned over two decades, taking him across Nigeria, Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
He played in the top leagues and faced some of Europe’s best teams.
Some notable clubs include:
Lokeren and Beveren (Belgium)
Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands)
Farense and Gil Vicente(Portugal)
Hércules CF and Deportivo La Coruña (Spain)
Iconic goal for Nigeria
It’s not every day you see goalkeepers score goals, but Peter Rufai ticked that box.
In 1993, during an AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia, he took and scored a penalty kick in a match Nigeria won 6–0.
Establishment of a goalkeeping academy
After retiring in 2000, Rufai remained deeply involved in football and founded a goalkeeping academy in Europe and later in Nigeria.
The academy was set up to train and mentor young talents.
A celebrated legend in Nigerian football
Peter Rufai is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers.
He was nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,” he’s remembered and celebrated for his agility, leadership, and composure.
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