Revision as of 12:05, 8 July 2023 by KiranBOT(talk | contribs)(BRFA, modified categories: Nigerian footballers → Nigerian men's footballers, Expatriate footballers in Belgium → Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium, Expatriate footballers in Benin → Expatriate men's footballers in Benin, Expatriate footballers in Spain → Expatriate men's footballers in Spain, Expatriate footballers in the Netherlands → Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands, Nigerian expatriate footballers → Nigerian expatria...)
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]
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]