Overview

• Peter Rufai succumbed to cardiac arrest at his Lagos residence on July 3, 2025, aged 61
• He represented Nigeria in the 1994 USA and 1998 France FIFA World Cups, establishing himself on the global stage
• His club career included spells in Belgium and Portugal before joining Spain’s Hércules CF and Deportivo de La Coruña, where he featured in eight league matches
• Born heir to the Idimu throne, he declined succession after his father’s death in 1999 to continue pursuing football
• Rufai concluded his career with Gil Vicente in the 1999/2000 season and remained celebrated for his unique journey from royalty to sport