The Director General(DG) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the National Institute for Sports(NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed deep shock over the passing of ex-international,Peter Rufai, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria football community.
According to him, “the news of Peter Rufai’s passing is a great loss to Nigerian football. He was a true icon, a 1994 AFCON winner, and a role model for many.
“His passion and dedication to the game will be deeply missed. We at the National Institute for Sports(NIS) extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones during this difficult time.
“Honestly, Nigeria has lost a legend. Peter Rufai’s contributions to the Super Eagles and Nigerian football, in general, are undeniable. His performances, especially at the 1994 AFCON, inspired a generation. We mourn with his family and the football family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
The goalkeeper also kept for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the round of 16 on both occasions) and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time.
Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Stationery Stores FC, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981.
He also played professionally for Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, as well as Go Ahead Eagles in The Netherlands before stints with Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules in Spain as well as Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
