‘He was sick for some weeks’– NFF mourns Peter Rufai

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says Peter Rufai, former Super Eagles goalkeeper, was sick for “some weeks” before his death.

Rufai died on Thursday at 61.

In a tribute to the legendary goalkeeper, NFF said Rufai died in Lagos at 6 am adding that his body has been deposited at a morgue.

The federation described Rufai as a “charismatic and disciplined” goalkeeper” who “dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players”.

“Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994,” the statement reads.

“He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.”

Rufai had over 60 caps for the Super Eagles over the course of 17 years with the team

Rufai’s death is the latest exit from the list of ex-international that made up the celebrated 1994 AFCON-winning squad.

Other members of the squad who have died include Wilfred Agbonavbare, Tom Oliha, Uche Okafor, Rashidi Yekini and Stephen Keshi.