FALLEN EAGLES: Oliha, Yekini, Keshi and now Rufai… members of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad who have died

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s set at the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia turned in memorable performances that made history for the nation, and lifted the morale of the populace. Filled with star performers, this group of players won Nigeria’s first AFCON title in 24 years at Tunisia ’94.

Their triumph came after several years of near misses, marked by breathtaking performances from the group.

In recent times, however, the close-knit team has been losing its breath of life, succumbing to old age and poor health.

With the passing of Peter Rufai on Thursday, TheCable looks at a few members of the famous squad who have taken their last breath.

STEPHEN KESHI

Keshi was the captain of the Tunisia ’94 team. The ‘Big Boss’ died in Benin City at 54 years from cardiac arrest on June 7, 2016.

After lifting the AFCON trophy as a player, he led the Super Eagles to AFCON triumph as a coach in 2013. Highly respected and fondly remembered by the Nigerian football community, Keshi won 64 caps for Nigeria and scored nine goals for Nigeria during his playing days.

RASHIDI YEKINI

Famous for scoring Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal at USA ’94, it was at Tunisia ’94 that the Kwara native wowed fans with his thunderous goals and performance.

He finished the tournament as the highest goalscorer and player of the tournament. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s record highest goalscorer, with 37 goals, died on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48, under unclear circumstances.

THOMPSON OLIHA

The midfield maestro featured for Nigeria at the AFCON and also at the World Cup in 1994. Born in Benin City, Oliha was renowned for his powerful shot and aerial abilities. A knee injury, which curtailed his career at 27 years old, did not remove his endearing image from fans’ hearts.

He, however, succumbed to malaria complications on June 30, 2013, in Kwara State, at 44 years old.

UCHE OKAFOR

He played every match of Nigeria’s triumph at Tunisia ’94. The defender was an inaugural member of the US Major League Soccer (MLS), where he spent five seasons.

He worked as a pundit with ESPN, but was found dead in his Texas home on January 6, 2011. He played 36 times for Nigeria.

WILFRED AGBONIVBARE

Agbonivbare died of cancer on January 27, 2015. He settled in Spain, where he played the majority of his club career, working as a goalkeeper for an amateur side after retirement. He was displaced from the number one position in the national team by Rufai.

PETER RUFAI

Known as Dodo Mayana by his peers and fans, Rufai was the last line of defence for Nigeria at Tunisia ’94. He put in strong performances in both the semi-final and the final, including well-executed time-wasting tactics. At club level, he was well-travelled from Belgium to the Netherlands and Spain. He died on July 3, 2025, at 61 years old following a bout with illness.