Nigerian Legend Counters Taribo West, Names How Much Lagos Govt Gave Peter Rufai’s Family
- Peter Rufai was buried on Friday morning, August 22, 2025, after a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation, Lagos
- Former Nigerian international Taribo West expressed disappointment that the NFF and Lagos government failed to support the ex-goalkeeper's burial
- Ex-Super Eagles star Waidi Akanni countered Taribo's claims, confirming Lagos State Government provided financial support
A former Nigerian international, Waidi Akanni, has reacted to reports that the Lagos State Government failed to provide support for the burial of Peter Rufai.
Born in Lagos, Rufai, who passed away on July 3, 2025, left an indelible footprint in African football, with many regarding him as Nigeria's greatest goalkeeper.
He started his career with Stationery Stores before moving abroad, where he featured for teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
Source: Getty Images
Rufai also represented the Nigerian national team and was part of the squad for two FIFA World Cups, and won the AFCON tournament in 1994.
The ex-goalie, who had 65 caps for the Super Eagles, suffered prolonged illness before he passed away, per The Cable.
He was buried on August 22, 2025, following a funeral mass at the Catholic Church of Visitation, Festac Town, Lagos, with interment at Ikoyi Cemetery.
Taribo West blasts NFF, Lagos government
Footage showed a visibly upset Taribo West lamenting that the legend's family was neglected by the Nigerian Football Federation and the Lagos State government.
West said:
"I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country. What kind of nation is this? With the type of example that they have shown with Shofoluwe, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, I’ll never advise my son to put his feet for this country.
"Do we have a football association in this country or a federation in this Lagos state that this hero, soldier, football evangelist has to be treated this way and his family.
"Could you imagine that the family would be crying to solicit within our groups, just to ask for money? It is madness."
Waidi Akanni counters Taribo's claims
Meanwhile, Waidi Akanni has debunked West's comments that the Lagos government did not support Rufai's family.
Nigerian outlet PoojaMedia wrote on X:
"I just got a report from Super Eagles legend, Waidi Akanni that Lagos State Government gave the families of Late Peter Rufai N15M.
"He also confirmed that donations came from the Lagos State FA, Lagos State Sports Commission & other notable individuals."
Meanwhile, Taribo's remarks have continued to attract reactions on social media:
@KennyNuga said:
"Taribo West should have called on ex-super eagles players and current super eagles players to donate towards the burial."
@AlaafinB replied:
"Una don start with paid propaganda again. Where is the proof they gave the family money! Knowing politicians, they will call national conference to present it to the family if they did."
@askolowe posited:
"Family members sometimes can be funny. Is it that the information was hidden. I was trying to transfer a patient from the UAE to Nigeria. His company paid 10k dollars but instead to the hospital, they sent it to the family members and that was the end of the case."
Source: Getty Images
Peter Rufai's daughter speaks
Legit.ng earlier reported that Peter Rufai's daughter, Confidence, disclosed that her father's illness was kept private due to his preference for a quiet life.
She also stated that her father was a selfless Nigerian, adding that he gave everything while serving the country.
Source: Legit.ng
