“Lagos Govt Didn’t Give Us ₦15m”: Peter Rufai’s Family Clears the Air After Burial
- Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai was buried after a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation, Lagos, on Friday morning, August 22
- Former international and pastor Taribo West criticised the Lagos State Government for neglecting Rufai’s family, a claim that Waidi Akanni countered
- Rufai’s younger brother has spoken out to clarify the details regarding financial support from the government
Peter Rufai’s younger brother has reacted to reports that the Lagos State Government supported the burial of the former member of the Nigerian football team with ₦15 million.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai died in the early hours of July 3 at a Lagos hospital after a prolonged battle with illness.
The 61-year-old was buried on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a mass at a Catholic church in Lagos with ex-internationals Taribo West, Samson Siasia, Austin Eguavoen, Joseph Yobo, including NFF officials and top government functionaries in attendance.
Source: Twitter
Rufai started his career with Stationery Stores before moving abroad, where he featured for teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
He also represented the Nigerian national team and was part of the squad for two FIFA World Cups, and won the AFCON tournament in 1994.
Taribo West, Eguavoen blast Lagos state government
Ex-internationals Taribo West and Austin Eguavoen said the family of late Peter Rufai was abandoned by the Lagos State and the Federal Government.
The former Inter Milan star said:
"For me it is disheartening that we have Lagos State, the Nigeria Football Association and dropped the bulk on the family.
"Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our group to ask for money. That is madness for me."
Former Super Eagles coach Eguavoen added:
“I think Peter Rufai is too big for a name, that the government, the people in charge, won't just come and take over this burial. Peter Rufai is a name, a household name, a big name. It's so sad, as reported by Sahara Reporters."
Source: Getty Images
We’ve not received ₦15 from Lagos govt
Bruce Sunny, younger brother of Peter Rufai has debunked information circulating on social media that the family of the former Super Eagles goalkeeper received ₦15 million from the Lagos State Government.
According to SportsUnlimited, Sunny acknowledged the ₦3 million from the Nigeria Football Federation. He said:
"Please let me correct some misinformation going around that the Lagos State government gave the family N15 million to assist in the burial of my late brother, Peter Rufai.
"As of now, nobody from the Lagos State government has approached the family with the money and I challenge them to come forward with the receipt and the account the money was paid into."
Enakhena lists the donors of Rufai's burial rites
Legit.ng earlier reported that veteran sports journalist Godwin Enakhena has compiled the list of individuals who contributed to the burial rites of late Peter Rufai.
In a viral post on X, the former chairman of the defunct MFM FC said the Lagos State Government was the highest donor with ₦15 million, and other well-meaning Nigerians.
Source: Legit.ng
