Nigeria Mourns: Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies at 61 After Prolonged Illness

|By Babatunji Wusu–

Peter Rufai, iconic Super Eagles goalkeeper and national hero, has died at the age of 61, plunging Nigerian football into mourning. The news of his passing was confirmed by BSNSports.com.ng, with additional details from Radio Nigeria, which reported that Rufai breathed his last on the morning of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after battling a long-term illness that had kept him away from the public eye.

Although the family has yet to make a formal announcement, a senior official in the Lagos State Government has confirmed the heartbreaking news.

Rufai, revered as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever goalkeepers, carved a legacy of excellence during his storied career. He stood tall between the posts for clubs like Stationery Stores and Go Ahead Eagles, amassing 65 caps for the national team. His international highlights include commanding performances in two FIFA World Cups and being instrumental in Nigeria’s historic 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory.

His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of fans and the fabric of Nigerian football history.