See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Former Nigeria Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies at 61

LAGOS, NIGERIA, JUL 4 – Peter Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and was a key player in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations win and two FIFA World Cups, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigerian football.

  • Peter Rufai, revered former Super Eagles goalkeeper, died at age 61 on July 3, 2025, in a Lagos hospital after weeks of illness.
  • Rufai's death followed a distinguished career from 1981 to 1998, featuring over 60 caps and roles as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper.
  • He played key parts in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Tunisia and their 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup appearances.
  • President Tinubu praised Rufai for his dedicated service to Nigerian football, while Peter Obi recognized him as one of the country’s most outstanding goalkeepers.
  • Rufai’s legacy continues through his Staruf Football Academy, mentoring young talents, underscoring a lasting impact on Nigerian football.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?

81 Articles

Right

He is considered one of the best goalkeepers that Africa has ever produced, as "a giant of football," as a goalie legend of Nigeria – the long-standing "Super Eagles" support Peter Rufai is dead, died at the age of 61! As can be seen from Nigeria, Rufai has been seriously ill for a long time and has recently been housed in a hospital in the capital of Lagos – but the 1.87-meter man has suffered from this, was not announced.For a long time, uncha…

·Vienna, Austria
Read Full Article
Hometown News LPHometown News LP
+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Center

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai dies at 61

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who helped his country win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, has died at the age of 61.

Center

Peter Rufai, emblematic goalkeeper of Nigerian football, prince of a tribe of Idimu (a region of Lagos) who chose to devote himself to the ball before being king, died on Thursday in his country at 61 years of age because of a cardiac arrest while resting in his residence. Rufai defended his country in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups of the United States and France and wore the T-shirts of Hercules and Deportivo in the late 1990s from the leagues o…

·Madrid, Spain
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center

Factuality 

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

P.M. News Nigeria broke the news in Lagos, Nigeria on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Sources are mostly out of (0)

You have read 1 out of your 5 free daily articles.

Join millions of well-informed readers who use Ground to compare coverage, check their news blindspots, and challenge their worldview.