Mature Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61

Mature Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who helped his nation gain the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 61.

The Nigerian Football Federation announced the death Thursday.

Rufai modified into widely regarded as definitely one of the most greatest African goalkeepers ever and had a 20-year taking half in occupation that incorporated stints at golf equipment in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Nigerian federation wrote on X that the legacy of Rufai, whose nickname modified into Dodo Mayana, would are residing on “between the sticks and former.” Native media stated he had suffered from a rapid, undisclosed illness.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also paid tribute to Rufai in a statement Friday.

“I recall with fond memories the heroic contributions of Peter Rufai in the historic victory of the Super Eagles at the 1994 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Tinubu stated.

He praised Rufai for “bringing honor to the nation and opening a brand unique window of alternatives for young footballers in Nigeria.”

Rufai modified into half of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup squad in the U.S. which helped save aside the nation’s soccer on the international plan, alongside the late Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Uche Okafor, Wilfred Agbonavbare and Thompson Oliha.

He also represented Nigeria at 1998 World Cup in France.

He modified into the first Nigerian goalkeeper to rating a aim for his team internationally, in a 1993 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in opposition to Ethiopia. Rufai, the first Nigerian player to attain from a royal family, had extra than 60 caps for the Great Eagles.

After retiring from legitimate soccer in 2000, he established Staruf Football Academy the attach he coached young players.