An extraordinary goalkeeper, Rufai made his debut for the then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) silver in 1984. He was present and played a pivotal role with crucial saves when Nigeria won her second continental title in 1994 in Tunisia.
Indeed, he was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.
It was, therefore, no surprise that the charismatic and disciplined keeper also kept the goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup. Although he exhibited sharp reflexes at the 1994 World Cup, at the 1994 edition of the World Cup in France, his performances left so much to be desired. He conceded four goals against Denmark in what must have passed for his worst goalkeeping experience.
Rufai, who started his career in the famous Stationery Stores of Lagos in 1980 and lasted for two decades, manned the posts for a number of clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. When he finally retired, he dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players, especially goalkeepers.
The legendary goalkeeper, who lived a quiet life devoid of controversies, also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U-23 team at a time. Till he breathed his last at the age of 61, Rufai was dedicated and committed to the development of Nigerian football.
His death brought to five, the number of the victorious 1994 AFCON squad that have passed away. Others are Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Uche Okafor, Rashidi Yekini.
In addition, ‘Dodo Mayana’s passing has increased the number of prominent sports personalities in Nigeria who have died this year to 10. Moses Effiong, Abubakar Lawal, Christian Chukwu, Charles Bassey, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olarewanju, Bosede Momoh, Tade Azeez and Mohammed Sani Abdul all died between January and July.
As the football fraternity in Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of the legendary Rufai,’ Weekend Trust Sports takes a look at some of the famous goalkeepers who also left indelible foot-prints in Nigerian football before their demise.
Inuwa Rigogo Rigogo was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1968 Olympics men’s football Tournament in Mexico.
The former goalkeeper of Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), which later became NEPA FC of Lagos, made his debut for Nigeria in 1964, playing for the Northern Lions against Queens Park Rangers.
Due to his athleticism and ability to make seemingly impossible saves, he was nicknamed “African Rubberman” by the legendary Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
The late Lawal Inuwa Rigogo, who later coached the national football team of Nigeria, died on August 14, 1994 in Kaduna State.
Isaac Akioye
He was a reserve goalkeeper for the UK Tourists in 1949. Akioye later became the director of sports in the now restored National Sports Commission (NSC). After meritorious services to Nigeria as a dedicated sports administrator, Akioye died in 1987 when he was 80 years.
Peter Fregene
Popularly called the Flying Cat or Apo, Fregene was one of Nigeria’s longest serving goalkeepers. He was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigerian national football team from 1968 to 1971 before being recalled for the 1982 African Cup of Nations finals. Like Inuwa Rigogo, he also represented Nigeria at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Fregene, who won the Nigerian FA Cup with both ECN Lagos and Stationary Stores, died on October 12, 2024 at the age of 77 after a protracted illness.
Patrick Okala
Okala was a young goalkeeper who quickly followed in the footsteps of his elder brother, the legendary Emmanuel Okala, one of the surviving members of the victorious 1980 AFCON. He quickly stepped out of his big brother’s shadow to become a brave shot stopper.
He manned the posts for the Enugu Rangers International and then the Green Eagles at a tender age. Although he passed away early, he won many laurels, including a silver medal at the 1984 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Best Ogedegbe
Born on September 3, 1954, the IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan legend was a member of the victorious 1980 AFCON squad. He also represented Nigeria at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
He won two Nigerian league titles, two FA Cup and one Africa Cup Winner’s Cup with IICC Shooting Stars, now 3SC Ibadan.
Ogedegbe was an assistant coach during the 2008–2009 season for the Dolphins FC. He was also a former assistant with Wikki Tourists and the 2008 Summer Olympics silver medalist team.
The AFCON winner died at 55 on September 28, 2009 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan following complications from eye surgery.
