Nigeria had been very impressive during her World Cup debut at USA ’94. Despite a narrow 1-2 loss to Argentina in its second match, the Giant of Africa emerged Group D winners following comfortable victories against Bulgaria and Greece. Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3-0 in her first World Cup match in history before the defeat in the hands of Argentina, but came back to beat Greece 2-0 to book a place in the Round of 16, which the country lost narrowly in extra time to Italy by 2-1.
Peter Rufaipet
However, the country’s goal stopper at the Mundial, Peter Rufai, who was also between the sticks for the country four years later at France ’98 said his second World Cup outing for the country was an experience. Like USA ’94, Nigeria was also in Group D, defeating Spain 3-2 in the first group match; beating Bulgaria again 1-0 in the second match and losing 3-0 to Paraguay in the last group match. It however qualified for the Round of 16 where it was routed 4-1 by Denmark.
“France ’98 was my second World Cup outing for the country after our debut in USA ’94 and with all honestly, it was not a bad outing, rather it was an experience that will linger for long in my memory.“ After victories over Spain and Bulgaria, we anticipated a good outing against Paraguay but the match did not go our away and we lost 3-1. We were yet to get over the defeat when we played Denmark in the Round of 16 and in spite of our good show and brilliant displayed; we still lost 4-1. But like I said above, it was an experience the team was unable to lift the World Cup trophy at France ’98,” he said.
What was the secret behind the Super Eagles’ successes during Rufai’s playing days for the national team? you might ask.
“Secret? the man popularly known as Dodo Mayana asked. “Well, I think it was the passion and the zeal to wear the national colour, to play for the country and represent our fatherland. Then, it was a pride playing for the national team and an honour in addition to wear the national colour. “You can also not remove the passion from the players. By and large, it was great playing for the country in those days.”
Born in Lagos on August 24, 1963 Rufai competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that spanned 20 years. He represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
On the Super Eagles’ chances at the forthcoming Brazil 2014, Rufai said “Nigeria has grown in confidence to stop Lionel Messi and his colleagues in the Argentine team and with that at the back of our minds we should be able to have a good outing at the Mundial. He pointed out that “Argentina are favourite to win the World Cup no doubt, but I see the Eagles as tough and a team good enough to beat Argentina in Brazil.”
His parting shot: We have top and good players home and abroad. I therefore believe these Eagles will beat Argentina and go on to do well in the World Cup.”
Rufai’s fact file
• Started his playing career with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos.
• Played 65 international matches for Nigeria
• In 1986 he moved to Benin Republic, with AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.
• At a more professional level Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oostn Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly
• In the 1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours, Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie
• On 24 July 1993, during a African Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, Rufai scored his country’s last goal from a penalty kick, in a 6–0 home win
• He helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia
• In 1994, he started a Portuguese adventure with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the first time ever. His solid performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, but he struggled to start for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation.
• He later signed with established Deportivo de La Coruña the ensuing summer, backing up another African, Jacques Songo’o of Cameroon, for two seasons – this included keeping a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win against CD Tenerife (1–0), as the Cameroonian was suspended.
• He returned to Portugal for one final year, with modest Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice.
• In 2003 he returned to Spain, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper’s school.
• He is presently partnering Nestle Nigeria Plc through Milo to develop youth football in the country.