Peter Rufai
Peter Rufai (born 24 August 1963) is a Nigerian
Peter Rufai
former professional footballer who played as a
goalkeeper.[1] Personal information
Date of birth 24 August 1963
He competed professionally in Belgium, the Place of birth Lagos, Nigeria
Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
lasted 20 years.
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Rufai represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as Senior career*
many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Years Team Apps (Gls)
1980–1984 Stationery Stores
1985 Femo Scorpions
Club career 1986–1987 Dragons de l'Ouémé
1987–1991 Lokeren 6 (0)
Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career in his country, 1991–1993 Beveren
playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo 1993–1994 Go Ahead Eagles 12 (0)
Scorpions. He moved to Benin in 1986, with AS 1994–1997 Farense 62 (0)
Dragons FC de l'Ouémé. 1997 Hércules 10 (0)
1997–1999 Deportivo La Coruña 9 (0)
At a more professional level Rufai spent six years in
1999–2000 Gil Vicente 1 (0)
Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen[2] and
International career
K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly. In the
1993–94 season he played 12 matches for Dutch 1983–1998 Nigeria 65 (1)
neighbours Go Ahead Eagles, which finished 12th in *Club domestic league appearances and goals
the Eredivisie.
In 1994, Rufai 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 to 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.
However, Rufai signed with established Deportivo de La 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 CD Tenerife (1–0) as the Cameroonian was suspended.[3] He then returned to Portugal for
one final year, with modest Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice.
Rufai returned to Spain in 2003, settling in the country and opening a goalkeeper's school.[3]
International career
Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 as
their first-choice goalkeeper[4] and also helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in
Tunisia.[5]
On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifying match against Ethiopia, Rufai scored a penalty in a 6–0 home
win.[6]
International goals
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
24 July Surulere Stadium, 1994 African Cup of Nations
1 Ethiopia 6–0 6–0
1993 Lagos, Nigeria qualification
Personal life
Rufai was the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu. In early 1998, as his father died, he was allowed
by his club (Deportivo) to return to Nigeria to discuss the succession, but turned down the status for
himself.[3]
Rufai's oldest son, Senbaty, played as a midfielder, having tried for Sunshine Stars F.C. in the Nigeria
Premier League.[7]
References
1. Rufai, o Príncipe que não quis ser Rei: «Sou um filho de Portugal» (https://maisfutebol.iol.p
t/destino-90s/peter-rufai/rufai-o-principe-que-nao-quis-ser-rei-sou-um-filho-de-portugal?_ga
=2.129971340.1098483925.1607294723-763065413.1602873581) maisfutebol.iol.pt
2. Rufai Peter (https://web.archive.org/web/20140306193054/http://www.sporting.be/site/oud-s
pelers?pid=187); at KSC Lokeren (in Dutch)
3. Deportivo archives (http://deportivo-la-coruna.com/profiles/pastplayers/rufai.html)
4. World: Africa – Old guard in charge (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/122088.stm); BBC
News, 29 June 1998
5. African Nations Cup 1994 – Final Tournament Details (https://www.rsssf.org/tables/94a-det.h
tml); at RSSSF
6. Nigeria v Ethiopia, 24 July 1993 (http://www.11v11.com/matches/nigeria-v-ethiopia-24-july-1
993-244582/); at 11v11
7. ‘Nigerian League Is Physical’ – Amine (http://thepmnews.com/2009/03/13/nigerian-league-is
-physical-%e2%80%94amine); PM News, 13 March 2009
External links
Peter Rufai (https://web.archive.org/web/20210101000000/https://www.foradejogo.net/playe
r.php?player=196308240001&language=2) at ForaDeJogo (archived)
Peter Rufai (https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j2244.html) at BDFutbol
Peter Rufai (https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/13871.html) at National-
Football-Teams.com
Peter Rufai (https://web.archive.org/web/20150905/http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/play
ers-coaches/people=57197/index.html) – FIFA competition record (archived)
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