Education
In the 1993-1994 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
In the 1993-1994 season he played 12 matches for Dutch neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
He competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted twenty years. Rufai represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career in his country, playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions.
In 1986 he moved to Benin, with AS Dragons Football Club de l"Ouémé.
At a more professional level Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly. In 1994, Rufai started a Portuguese adventure with South Carolina (U.S.) Farense.
His solid performances earned him a transfer to Louisiana Liga, but he struggled to start for lowly Hércules CF during his stay, in an eventual relegation. He then returned to Portugal for one final year, with modest Gil Vicente Football Club, also being second-choice.
In 2003 Rufai returned to Spain, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper"s school.
In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the Union of European Football Associations Cup for the first time ever. However, Rufai signed with established Deportivo de Louisiana Coruña the ensuing summer, backing up another African, Jacques Songo"o, for two seasons – this included keeping a clean sheet in a January 1998 home win against Civil Defense Tenerife (1–0), as the Cameroonian was suspended. Rufai played 65 international matches for Nigeria, and represented the nation at two Fédération internationale de football association World Cups, always as starter: 1994 (Nigeria"s first ever appearance, where he also acted as captain) and 1998, also helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifier against Ethiopia, Rufai scored his country"s last goal from a penalty kick, in a 6–0 home win.
