Peter Rufai is a retired professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Nigeria's Super Eagles, Farense, Go Ahead Eagles, Hércules and a few other teams.
Popularly known as ‘Dodo Mayana' in his playing days, Rufai embodies goalkeeping excellence that others like Vincent Enyeama have been compared with.
In this article, we will reveal some information about this goalkeeper that you may not have known, a man revered by many Nigerians who see him as the finest of his generation.
Did you know Peter Rufai has blue blood?
Born in Oshodi, Lagos State to a tribal King in the region of Idimu in 1963, Rufai had somewhat of a privileged upbringing in a polygamous family, at least, better than most children in his time.
When his father died in early 1998, he was allowed to return home by his club Deportivo la Coruña in order to discuss the succession plan. However, he turned down the opportunity to claim his father's throne as his love for football prevailed.
How old is Peter Rufai?
Born 24 August 1963, Rufai is 60 years old at the time of writing.
Peter Rufai's club career
Born in Lagos, Rufai kick-started his career with Stationery Stores FC and Femo Scorpions where his goalkeeping talents were clearly noticed.
After a few years in Nigeria, he secured his first move abroad when a Benin Republic side, AS Dragons FC de I'Ouémé, acquired his signature in 1986.
While the details of Rufai's tenure with AS Dragons are unknown, he did just enough to attract European suitors.
Peter Rufai's career in Europe
After one good season with AS Dragons, Belgian side KSC Lokeren signed Rufai in the summer of 1987. He spent four years with Lokeren before switching over to KSK Beveren in 1991 where he went on to play for two years.
During the 1993/94 season, the former Super Eagles shot-stopper signed for Go Ahead Eagles, where he made 12 appearances. That season, his side finished 12th in the Eredivisie.
In 1994, Rufai sought new challenges, this time in Portugal when he joined SC Farense. His services for the club were so important that in his first season, the Algarve side qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time in history.
Rufai's solid showings that season earned him a move away from the Portuguese club as he crossed borders to Spain when Hercules came calling in 1997. However, he struggled to clinch a starting berth and the team eventually got relegated.
During the next summer, Deportivo la Coruña got his services as a backup goalkeeper for two seasons. He didn't make so much of an impact with just nine matches played across two campaigns.
With his career slowly winding up, Rufai returned to Portugal in 1999 as a backup goalkeeper for Gil Vicente, making just one appearance before retiring in 2000.
Three years after his retirement, the Super Eagles goalkeeper returned to settle in Spain. He went on to open a school for goalkeepers.
Peter Rufai's international career
The respected goalkeeper made 65 appearances for Nigeria. As first-choice shot-stopper, Rufai played in the FIFA World Cup tournaments of 1994 and 1998.
He was in goal when Nigeria won her second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Tunisia, 1994.
Like many goalkeepers have done, on July 24 1993, Rufai scored for Nigeria during an AFCON qualifying match against Ethiopia, converting a penalty in a 6-0 home victory for the Super Eagles.
And in 2000, he retired from international duty with 65 caps to his name and a football career that lasted for 20 years.
Peter Rufai's net worth
As of 2024, Peter Rufai's net worth is undisclosed. But while his net worth is not known, there is no doubt about his immeasurable impact in Nigerian football.
Is Peter Rufai married?
Peter is married to Mikaila Rufai, their union is blessed with four children.
How many houses does Peter Rufai have?
It is believed that the Nigerian goalkeeping icon has many houses in and outside Nigeria. He has houses in Lagos and Abuja precisely.
Rufai was one of the beneficiaries of the 1994 Super Eagles squad which in 2021, former president Muhammadu Buhari gifted houses in Abuja.
How many children does Peter Rufai have?
While we are unsure how many children the 60-year-old has, his son Senbaty once played for Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria Premier League.
Peter Rufai's football academy
Just like many footballers, Peter Rufai has the desire to help many Nigerian youths to achieve their football dreams.
Staruf Football Academy was set up in Lagos by the former Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper on 1 January 2010, to train aspiring footballers with passion to achieve their desired goals through thorough training and professional schemes.
The academy is located at 1 Sowande Street, Off Rev Emma Adubifa, Omole Phase2, Lagos.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peter Rufai
Is Peter Rufai still alive? Of course, Rufai is still alive and well.
Which state is Peter Rufai from? Rufai hails from Lagos State, Nigeria. He was born in Oshodi where he had his primary and secondary education.
Where is Peter Rufai now? Rufai is in Lagos where he works with the youths. His aim is to give them a brighter future through his academy programs.
Which year did Peter Rufai retire from the national team? After 65 caps for Nigeria, Peter Rufai retired from international duty in 2000.
Did Peter Rufai ever score a goal for Nigeria? Rufai scored one goal for Nigeria in an AFCON qualifying match against Ethiopia which ended 6-0 in favour of the Super Eagles.
