The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) reported on Thursday of death with 61 years of the exporter Peter Rufaiwhich in the late 90s played in the Spanish League militating in the Hercules and then in Deportivo de la Coruña.
“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We regret the death of the legendary goalkeeper of the Super Eagles, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and champion of the AFCon in 1994. Your legacy is still alive between the sticks and beyond. Rest in peace“The NFF said from its account on social network X.
What is Peter Rufai dead?
On its website, the NFF pointed out that its death had happened “After a period of disease“. “According to reports, the extravagant goalkeeper, who was intermittently in the absolute selection of Nigeria for 17 years, had been sick for several weeks, before death at a lake hospital around 6:00 am on Thursday“The note added.
“Rufai debuted with the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981 and won the money in the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept the glory in the continental final of Tunisia in 1994. He was the titular goalkeeper in the three championships“The NFF recalled in its official statement.
That text added that “The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also defended Nigeria’s goal at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (Super Eagles reached the round of 16 on both occasions), And he dedicated his days after his retirement to discover and guide young players. He also served at the time as coordinator of the Nigerian national team for the U-23 team“It was summed up.
Deportivo and Hercules have lamented on social networks the death of Rufai
“From the RC Deportivo we express our condolences for the death of Peter Rufai, player of the Dépor between 1997 and 1999. We transmit all the love of sport to his family and friends“said the coruña entity also in X.
Similarly, the Hercules He posted in X his condolences for the death of Rufai, who defended his shirt in 1997. “We transfer all the love of Herculanism to his family and friends“, apostilled the message of the Alicante club.
