Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has died at the age of 61.
“We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the Super Eagles posted on their X handle on Thursday.
“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” they added.
The legendary goalkeeper reportedly died on Thursday after an illness.
Rufai was part of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also featured for the team in the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the competition.
Regarded as one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers, he was capped 65 times for Nigeria.
Rufai made history when he scored for the Super Eagles in a 6–0 win against Ethiopia in 1993.
The goalkeeper played for clubs in Nigeria and abroad, including Dragons de l’Ouémé of Benin Republic; Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium; Go Ahead Eagles of the Netherlands; Farense and Gil Vicente in Portugal.
His quick reflexes and acrobatic saves earned him the nickname “Dodo Mayana.”
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