African football is mourning after knowing the death of Peter Rufai, The iconic goalkeeper of the selection of Nigeriawho died yesterday at age 61 at his Lagos residence. According to sources close to the family, Rufai He suffered a cardiac arrest as he rested at his home.
Irureta, Rufai and Nuno, in a training
Rufaiknown as “Monster Mayana”, Was one of the most emblematic figures of Nigerian football. He defended the goal of Nigeria For more than a decade and participated in two World Cups (United States 1994 and France 1998). It was also key in the historic conquest of the African Cup of Nations in 1994.
At club level, Rufai developed a long career in Europe, militating in teams of Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Spainwhere he defended the goal of Deportivo de la Coruña (1997-1999) and Hercules (1999). RUFAI hung his boots for his passage through him Gil Vicente Portuguese (2000).
Rufai makes a stop
The Nigerian Football Federation He has issued a statement in which he regrets the loss of the famous goalkeeper: “Peter Rufai was not only an extraordinary athlete, but also a leader and a symbol of commitment to our country. His legacy will remain in the history of Nigerian football.”
