Rufai earned 65 caps for Nigeria, and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cups, always as starter: 1994 (Nigeria's first ever appearance, where he also acted as captain) and 1998,[REF] also helping the Super Eagles win the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia [REF].
On 24 July 1993, during a CAN qualifier against Ethiopia, Rufai scored his country's last goal from a penalty kick, in a 6-0 home win [REF].