Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai's illustrious career spanned over two decades. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria, serving as the first-choice goalkeeper during the nation's golden era in the 1990s. Rufai was instrumental in Nigeria's victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 in both tournaments.
At the club level, Rufai began his career with Stationery Stores in Lagos before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, including Deportivo La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Rufai was dedicated to nurturing young talent. He founded the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos, mentoring aspiring footballers and contributing to the development of the sport in Nigeria.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation. President Bola Tinubu described Rufai as a patriotic sportsman who brought honor to Nigeria. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also expressed their condolences, highlighting Rufai's significant contributions to Nigerian football.
Rufai is survived by his wife, Mikaila, and their children. His legacy as one of Nigeria's greatest goalkeepers endures, inspiring future generations of footballers.
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