Peter Rufai is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He competed professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, in a senior career that lasted 20 years.
He represented Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He is also the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu, but he turned down the status for himself.
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about Peter Rufai Biography, early life, football career, achievements, net worth and more.
Peter Rufai Early Life and Education
Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria. He is the son of a tribal king in the region of Idimu, Lagos. He attended St. Finbarr’s College in Akoka, Lagos, where he played for the school team.
He also studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos. He started his football career with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions in Nigeria before moving to Benin in 1986.
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Peter Rufai Career
As a goalkeeper, Peter Rufai had a 20-year senior career in professional football, playing in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. He also played for Nigeria in two World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations.
He started his career in Nigeria with Stationery Stores F.C. and Femo Scorpions, then moved to Benin with AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé in 1986.
He spent six years in Belgium, playing for K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren, although he appeared sparingly.
He played 12 matches for Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles in the 1993–94 season, which finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
He joined S.C. Farense in Portugal in 1994, and helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time ever in his first year.
He later moved to La Liga in 1997, and played for Hércules CF and Deportivo de La Coruña, backing up another African, Jacques Songo’o, for two seasons.
He returned to Portugal for one final year, with Gil Vicente FC, also being second-choice.
He earned 65 caps for Nigeria and scored a penalty in a 6–0 win over Ethiopia in 1993. He won the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia and participated in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
Peter Rufai Personal Life
Peter Rufai is married and has a son named Senbaty, who also plays football as a midfielder.
Peter Rufai Net Worth
Peter Rufai’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million as of 2023. He has made such an amount of wealth from his primary career as a soccer player. He also works as an on-air personality for a sports radio station, Brila FM. He has a goalkeeping school in Spain where he trains young talents.
