Peter Rufai: Shehu Sani Reacts As Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper Dies at 61

• Former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, and Nigeria’s football community were thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai
• Rufai, aged 61, reportedly died in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday, June 3, after reportedly battling an undisclosed illness for weeks
• Reacting, Shehu Sani described Peter Rufai as one of Nigeria’s greatest sportsmen and an exceptional goalkeeper

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Shehu Sani, the senator who represented Kaduna Central in the eighth National Assembly, has reacted to the death of Peter Rufai, former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations champion.

Peter Rufai: "Football history has died" - Shehu Sani

In a post shared on his X page on Thursday night, July 3, Sani described Peter Rufai as an outstanding goalkeeper with a unique talent.

The former Kaduna senator recounted their last meeting at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.

Shehu Sani tweeted:

"Peter Rufai was one of Nigeria’s greatest Sportsmen. He was a Goalkeeper like no other. He charged a generation of Nigerian fans with his unique style and talent at the post. The last time I saw him was at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. A part of Nigerian football history has died today. Rest well great soul. My condolences to his family."

Nigerians react to Peter Rufai's death

Nigerians took to the comment section on X and reacted to Peter Rufai's demise. Legit.ng compiled a few reactions below;

@onyokpo tweeted:

"So sad, may his soul rest in peace."

@MindScribe01 tweeted:

"Rest in peace, Peter Rufai! Thank you for your service."

@maidaraja_01 tweeted:

"We have lost a great star whose name cannot be ignored in the history of Nigeria. I was not around him but I know he made a great contribution."

@afeezraji1 tweeted:

"I believe federal government will remember his efforts and meaningful contributions towards football in Nigeria."

@TheWomanWrapper tweeted:

"Dodo Mayana! I also saw him at the Lagos Airport late last year. I’m not sure we’ve had a better goalie since his retirement. Peter Rufai, Rest on Champ!!

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies at age 28

Similarly, Legit.ng reported that football lovers were thrown into deep sorrow as Diogo Jota passed away at the age of 28, and reports from Spain say the player was involved in a car accident.

The Liverpool striker was travelling with his younger brother, Andre, when their vehicle veered off the A-52 highway.

Andre is a Penafiel player in the Portuguese 2nd League, and also died at the scene.

Read more about Shehu Sani here:

• Tragedy strikes as footballer dies after collapsing on the pitch during a league game
• Fubara is not Sowore: Shehu Sani reacts as Tinubu reconciles Wike and Rivers governor

Shehu Sani mourns as woman dies

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Shehu Sani was thrown into mourning following the death of one Hajiya Lubabatu in an auto accident.

Sani said the deceased was preparing for her daughter's wedding when she died in a ghastly motor accident.

He said the late Hajiya Lubabatu has been buried and her daughter's wedding was been planned to hold on Saturday, September 2.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng