Former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has died at the age of 61.
The death of the former Super Eagles shot-stopper was confirmed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by a senior official of the Lagos State Government, although no formal announcement has yet been issued by his family.
According to Radio Nigeria, Rufai passed away on Thursday morning following a prolonged illness that had kept him away from the public in recent months.
Widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, Rufai earned 65 international caps for the Super Eagles.
He featured prominently in two FIFA World Cup tournaments and was part of the national team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1994.
His club career spanned local and international engagements, including stints with Stationery Stores in Nigeria and Go Ahead Eagles in the Netherlands.
Known for his composure and leadership on the field, Rufai was a key figure in Nigerian football during the 1990s.
In a separate development prior to his death, Rufai had issued a public statement in June alerting the public to a cyberattack on his personal data.
He reported that unknown individuals had gained access to his personal and corporate information, including his Nigerian passport, and had called on authorities and the public to be vigilant.
At the time, he expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian law enforcement agencies to investigate the breach and bring those responsible to justice.