By BEN OGBEMUDIA

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed profound grief over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, describing it as a monumental loss to Nigerian football.

In an emotional tribute, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State said, “The news of Peter Rufai’s passing is a painful blow to our footballing heritage. He was more than just a goalkeeper—he was a legend, a 1994 AFCON champion, and an inspiration to generations.”

Shaibu hailed Rufai’s enduring commitment to the game, both on and off the field. “His passion, discipline, and unmatched spirit will be sorely missed. On behalf of the National Institute for Sports, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire football fraternity. Nigeria has lost a true icon.”

He continued, “Rufai’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions. His heroics at the 1994 AFCON lit a fire in the souls of young athletes across the nation. Today, we mourn not just a footballer, but a national treasure.”

Born on August 24, 1963, Peter Rufai began his international career in December 1981 in a friendly match for the then Green Eagles. He quickly rose to prominence, anchoring the team’s defense at the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 1984 and 1988, where Nigeria finished as runners-up. His crowning glory came in 1994, when he stood tall between the posts as Nigeria lifted the AFCON trophy in Tunisia.

Rufai also featured as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in two FIFA World Cup finals—USA ’94 and France ’98—guiding the Super Eagles to the round of 16 on both occasions. Post-retirement, he dedicated his life to grooming the next generation of talent, serving as a mentor, youth coach, and briefly as coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team.

Beyond the national team, Rufai made his mark in club football, starring for Lagos-based Stationery Stores and helping the club reach the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981. His professional career spanned across Europe, with notable stints at Lokeren and Beveren in Belgium, Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands, Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF in Spain, and later, Portuguese sides Farense and Gil Vicente.

In life, Peter Rufai was a towering symbol of resilience. In death, he remains a guiding light for the beautiful game in Nigeria.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.