Peter Rufai

Peter Rufai (born 24 August 1963) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.[1]

Peter Rufai
Personal information
Date of birth (1963-08-24) 24 August 1963
Place of birth Lagos, Nigeria
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1980–1984 Stationery Stores
1985 Femo Scorpions
1986–1987 Dragons de l'Ouémé
1987–1991 Lokeren 6 (0)
1991–1993 Beveren
1993–1994 Go Ahead Eagles 12 (0)
1994–1997 Farense 62 (0)
1997 Hércules 10 (0)
1997–1999 Deportivo La Coruña 9 (0)
1999–2000 Gil Vicente 1 (0)
International career
1983–1998 Nigeria 65 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

He competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted 20 years.

Rufai represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Club career

Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career in his country, playing with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions. He moved to Benin in 1986, with AS Dragons FC de l'Ouémé.

At a more professional level Rufai spent six years in Belgium, with K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen[2] 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.

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
124 July 1993Surulere Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria Ethiopia6–06–01994 African Cup of Nations 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» maisfutebol.iol.pt
  2. Rufai Peter; at KSC Lokeren (in Dutch)
  3. Deportivo archives
  4. World: Africa – Old guard in charge; BBC News, 29 June 1998
  5. African Nations Cup 1994 – Final Tournament Details; at RSSSF
  6. Nigeria v Ethiopia, 24 July 1993; at 11v11
  7. ‘Nigerian League Is Physical’ – Amine; PM News, 13 March 2009
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