RUFAI: 5 things that they should know about the legendary super -eagles goalkeeper

The legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rafai, died on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 61 years after an extension disease.

Rufai is described as one of the best goalkeepers who leave Nigeria and also in Africa, thanks to his heroicity in the goal.

As taxes continue to arrive, Completsports.com’s James Agberebi reveals five things to know about Rufai.

– He made debut in Super Eagles in 1983

Peter Rufai made his debut in Super Eagles in 1983 before retiring from International Football Inn1998.

In its more than 10 years in the national team, Rufai appeared in three African Cup of Nations (1984, 1988, 1994), two world cups of FIFA (United States 1994, France 1998).

He was also part of the Super Eagles team that appeared in the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia.

– Only Super Eagles goalkeeper to maintain a clean leaf against Argentina

The Super Eagles have faced Argentina nine times, both in competitive and friendly games, and have achieved only a clean blade against South American giants.

The clean sheet arrived in the second game of group B of the Super Eagles against Argentina, in the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia that ended 0-0.

In the goal for the Super Eagles was Peter Rafai, who made ropes of important salvages to avoid an Argentine side that had characters such as Gabriel Batistuta, Ariel Ortega, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala and Hernan Crespo.

Also read: The Rufai family expresses gratitude as the taxes reach the Late Eagles legend

– Captain Super Eagles first player in the FIFA World Cup

Peter Rufai was the first individual to captain the Super Eagles in a football match in the FIFA World Cup.

Rufai achieved the feat when he wore the captain’s bracelet in the first game of the Super Eagles in the World Cup against Bulgaria in 1994.

In the tournament, Rufai used the bracelet in three of his team’s four games. The only game that did not lead the team was against Greece in the last group game, since the late Stephen Keshi captained the team.

– Noted for Super Eagles

Peter Rufai not only prevented the balls from getting into the bottom of the network, but also scored a goal for the Super Eagles, which was in an Ethiopia beating 6-0 in 1993, in the final match of the 1994 AFCon qualifiers in Lagos.

With the Eagles already 5-0 above, the referee granted a penalty late in the match for a foul on Emmanuel Amuneke.

Going up Rufai, who calmly calmed down the place, went out to the goalkeeper to put the 6-0 in favor of the Super Eagles.

– Presented in the best European leagues

During his illustrious football career, Peter Rufai served in some of the best leagues in Europe.

Among the best leagues in which appeared are the Belgian jupiler, eredivisie of the Netherlands, the Primeira Portuguese division and the Spanish League.

In Belgium, he maintained the goal for Lakeren (1987 – 1991), it was in Beveren (1991 – 1993), Eredivisie Side, Elegles Eagles (1993 – 1994), the Portuguese Primeira Portuguese side Farense (1994 – 1997) and the La Coruna Sports Out League (1997 – 1999).